Maternity services
Why might you need to be transferred and what is the process
The Friarage Maternity Centre (FMC) is suited to birthing people experiencing an uncomplicated pregnancy, where both the mother and baby are well and wishing to birth their baby in a home-like environment but away from their home.
There are some instances where you may be advised by the midwife providing care that you need to be transferred to JCUH. This will be discussed with you at the time and we will ask for your consent to begin the transfer process.
You may also request to be transferred to JCUH at anytime throughout your stay with us if you feel that you need more pain relief options or if you feel you no longer wish to birth at FMC. You might be advised about the need to transfer at anytime during the antenatal, intrapartum or postnatal period. The average transfer time takes approximately 1 hour from making the decision to arriving at James Cook, which is 22 miles away.
Firstly, after discussing everything with you and your partner, we will request the supporting midwife to call an emergency ambulance, this usually arrives within 10 minutes. Whilst waiting for the ambulance we will continue to monitor you and your baby and begin to prepare you for the transfer.
You will be given a hospital gown to wear, if needed, to ensure privacy and dignity is maintained at all times. If needed, we will ask for your consent to site a cannula so that we can give any needed treatment or fluids during the transfer easily and without delay.
When the paramedics arrive you will be asked to sit or lie on the ambulance bed and will be taken to the ambulance which will be waiting at the front of the hospital. The midwife who has been providing care will accompany you in the ambulance and where possible, will continue to provide care at JCUH.
Your birth partner(s) will be asked to make their own way to JCUH, directions will be given and to meet you there. This is due to the limited space in the ambulance. If you have already birthed your baby, we will aim where possible to keep you and your baby together, however it may be advised to you that the baby travels to JCUH with your partner, or in a separate ambulance, depending on the reason for transfer. This will be discussed with you at the time.
Contact us
If you have any further questions, please contact us on:
Telephone 01609 763082 or 01609 763093
Email: [email protected]
Patient experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the Patient Experience Department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print.
T: 01642 835964
E: [email protected]