Due to a cancellation of the planned essential maintenance works in the theatres at Westmorland General Hospital, the temporary suspension to birth services at Helme Chase from tomorrow, will no longer go ahead.
Birth services were due to be suspended from 5pm on Friday 23 February 2024 for a period of around four weeks but this will no longer take place. Birth services at the hospital will remain open as usual.
The planned work will now take place from Friday 8 March. Therefore, birth services will be suspended at Helme Chase from 5pm on Friday 8 March 2024 for an anticipated four week period. Community midwife appointments and the home birth service are unaffected.
We apologise for the late notice in the change of dates - this was due to reasons outside of the Trust's control. We really appreciate your patience and understanding.
Directions
During these works there will a different route to enter and leave Helme Chase Maternity Unit where antenatal, ultrasound, colposcopy appointments will continue to be held.
Entrance to the hospital will remain the same - please make your way to the lifts on level 2 and use the lift to go to Level 4. Exit the lift on level 4, turn right and follow the signs for maternity to the entrance of the Macular Unit. At the entrance to the Macular unit, a member of staff will direct you round the Macular Unit corridor. Near the end of the corridor you will see signage for the maternity unit where you will turn right towards a stairway. You will need to go down 1 flight of stairs to the entrance of the maternity unit where there is a door bell which rings reception. Reception staff will then allow you access to the unit. Exiting the unit will using be the same route.
If you have any mobility difficulties or have problems with stairs we can arrange an alternative route through day care ward. Please do not hesitate to contact Helme Chase Maternity Unit directly if you have any concerns - we are happy to help.