Frequently asked questions

Q. Where is the Jessop Wing maternity hospital and how do I get there?

The address is: Jessop Wing, Tree Root Walk, Sheffield, S10 2SF

Parking is very limited on site but there is also the multi-story car park at the Royal Hallamshire, a few minutes’ walk away (up the hill)
Please click here for more information including buses and trams

The main entrance for all departments is around the side though the car park on level 1.
The 24hr reception for labour ward and the Maternity Assessment Centre is located up the ramp, on level 2 – limited parking for emergencies only/taxi drop off.

NHS

Q. How can I make the most of my appointments?

Bring your notes with you for the team to review and use to document your care
Arrive in plenty of time so you so you don't feel rushed
Write down any questions you may want to ask so you don't forget them
Bring someone with you if you feel you need the extra support.

Q. What happens during a routine appointment with my midwife or doctor?

You will be offered a test to check your urine (for the presence of any sugar or protein), your blood pressure and carbon monoxide levels each time you attend. These tests can show us if there are any health problems that might be developing.
To assess your baby's wellbeing, after 25 weeks we will offer to check the position of your baby, measure their growth, ask you about your baby's movements and listen to their heart rate
You may also be offered a blood test or a scan or further monitoring of your baby, depending on the reason for your appointment.
We will also ask about your preferences and needs to best plan your care and make recommendations about where your baby should be born.

Q. How long will my appointment take?

Community midwives have 1hr 30mins for your initial visit (booking appointment) and 30 mins for all other routine appointments

In the antenatal clinic, the length of your appointment will depend on the purpose and if you need to see more than one team. You should prepare to be in the department for a minimum of an hour but sometimes up to 3 hours - please ask the team booking your appointment for further clarification.

Q. Where will I be seen for care throughout my pregnancy?

All routine midwife appointments are carried out by your local community midwives in a location close to where you live, most commonly in a Family Centre/Hub or GP surgery.
You only need to come to the Jessop Wing for:

specialist appointments
to see an obstetric doctor
for a scan
or if you require admission to a ward.

Q. Who will be looking after me during my pregnancy and my baby's birth?

We have a whole team of professionals who will care for you and your baby, each with a particular roles, including:

midwives, who lead routine care
obstetric and neonatal doctors, who give specialist advice when needed
support workers who help to care for you and your baby
sonographers, who carry out pregnancy scans

Q. Can I talk to someone about my previous birth experience?

Yes! If you are currently pregnant and would like to discuss what happened in a previous pregnancy or birth please speak to your community midwife who may be able to answer your questions or can assess if you would benefit from talking to a doctor to help plan for the birth of this baby.
If you have had your baby more than 6 weeks ago and would benefit from discussing your birth experience, please discuss with your Health Visitor who will be able to signpost you to the most appropriate service, which may include an appointment with a specialist mental health midwife or with one of our doctors in clinic.

Q. Who do I call if I think something is wrong or if I'm in labour?

Our maternity helpline is open 24/7 and staffed by midwives - call 01142 268091 (option 1) any time, particularly if:

You have a change in your baby's movements (more or less than usual)
Your waters have broken (or you think they might have)
You have persistent pain or bleeding, a severe headache or changes in your vision
Also if you think you are in labour and your contractions are coming consistently 4 times in every 10 minutes.
If you have any other worry and want to speak to a midwife

Q. How do I contact my community midwife?

Please call the maternity helpline 01142 268091 (option 2) and our admin team will take your message and pass it to the relevant midwife or team. They can also help you with appointments if you need to make a change.

Q. Where can I give birth to my baby?

We have three different options for the place of your baby's birth. You can discuss with your midwife which option suits you and your baby:

Midwifery Led Unit - for uncomplicated birth, we have three rooms with birthing pools.
Consultant Led Labour Suite – if you need additional monitoring or choose an epidural for pain relief or if you have a caesarean birth.
At home - If you would like to have your baby in the comfort of your own home, our community midwives provide a 24/7 homebirth service.

All labour and birth spaces at the Jessop Wing are private rooms with en-suite facilities with 1:1 care from midwives.

Q. Do you offer antenatal or birth preparation classes?

Yes! We offer free antenatal classes held at the Jessop Wing or on-line. Click here to book your place - recommended from 24 weeks onwards. These classes will help you prepare for labour and birth and looking after your new baby.

Q. What should I pack in my hospital bag?

Packing your bag for hospital (see more information in the labour and birth section)

Any hospital notes, a copy of your birth plan
Comfortable clothing and old t-shirt or alike for labour
Personal items - toiletries, tissues, massage oils, pillow, water spray, lip salve hair bands or clips for long hair
Dressing gown, slippers/flipflops, nightwear
Energy tablets
Snacks, magazines, puzzle books
Money/change for the carpark
Support bra to wear while breastfeeding and breast pads
Maternity pads and disposable underwear
Pillow and Towel (not white, to differentiate from hospital supplies)
Music + speaker
Comfortable clothing to go home in
Phone Charger

Note: Please leave painkillers at home – we will provide you with anything you may need.
Your birthing partner may want to bring:

Comfortable clothing (remember it gets very warm in the unit) and a change of clothes
Suitable indoor footwear (flipflops or slippers)
Toiletries
Meals and snacks (please note only food for the mother is provided)

For your baby

Baby grows
Vests and cardigan
Hats
Nappies
Cotton wool
Baby blanket
Car Seat for Baby
If you are choosing to bottle feed please bring your bottles and formula

Q. What can I do if I have a concern about my care?

If you have an urgent clinical need that you feel isn’t being addressed, please ask to speak to the midwife in charge/team leader or the duty matron so we can address the issue at the time.

If you have any questions or worries about any part of your care and the plans being made please do speak to your community midwife at your routine clinic appointment – we want to get it right for you and ensure you know what your options are and why certain recommendations are made, they can help you speak other members of our team if needed.

Q. How can I give feedback?

We have a number of different ways you can give us feedback about your care – we would love to hear from you with any positive comments or anyways we could improve your experience and care.

If you would prefer to speak with someone outside of the maternity department, you can contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service on 0114 271 2400 or email sth.pals@nhs.net

They will be happy to listen and offer further advice on how to make a complaint.
Click on the below links for more information on the different ways to get in touch:

To leave quick feedback click here

To make a complaint click here