The maternity assessment unit is within maternity services. You can find us on Level 4 of the Leazes Wing at the RVI in central Newcastle.
The Maternity Assessment Unit is always open
If you are between your dating scan (around 12 weeks of pregnancy) and 6 weeks after birth, call us on 0191 282 5748 if you have any of these symptoms:
- Spotting or vaginal bleeding
- Abdominal pain
- Persistent severe headache
- Leaking fluid or waters have broken
- Reduction or concerns about your baby’s movements
- Feeing unwell
- Legs that are painful to touch, red or swollen
- Blurred vision, seeing spots, swelling in hands and feet
How does the maternity assessment unit work?
To ensure the safety of all women and babies, we carefully assess each woman on arrival, to treat those who need urgent care first.
- We aim to see all women within 15 minutes of arrival.
- After an initial assessment by a midwife, you may be asked to return to the waiting area.The most urgent cases will be seen first.
- A more detailed assessment may follow – which will include tests, if needed.
- If you feel you need to be seen more quickly, or you think things are changing, please speak to a member of staff straight away.
The maternity assessment unit does not have inpatient beds. It has:
- 1 initial assessment room
- 4 assessment rooms with trolley beds
- 4 adjustable chairs in a bay
- Electronic fetal monitoring equipment (CTGs) for each space
- 1 shared toilet
There is a small waiting room just outside the maternity assessment unit with a toilet. There are also some vending machines you can use if you wish.
People are seen in the maternity assessment unit are seen in order of clinical need and not in order of arrival. After an initial assessment, if you are in need of a review by our medical team, you will be seen as soon as they are available.
