Maternity Assessment Centre (MAC)

The Maternity Assessment Centre is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. 

You can contact MAC yourself at any time with any concerns you may have - no matter how big or small. We are here to help you during your pregnancy and up until 6 weeks after the birth of your baby.

A midwife is available to speak with you 24 hours a day via the Maternity Assessment Centre telephone triage line 0114 2268091. If you have concerns you are welcome to attend the Maternity Assessment Centre at the Jessop Wing for assessment. You may be referred to the Maternity Assessment Centre (MAC) by your GP or Community Midwife.

Reasons you might contact MAC:

• Altered fetal movements
• Abdominal pain
• Vaginal Bleeding
• You think your waters have broken
• You think you’re in labour
• Headache and problems with vision
• Abnormal discharge
• Severe itching on the palms of your hands or feet
• Generally feeling unwell
• If you have any other concerns

 

Where is the Maternity Assessment Centre?

MAC is in the Jessop Wing Maternity Hospital. Go to the 24-Hour Maternity Reception accessed up the ramp on Tree Root Walk Please note there is limited parking for emergencies only/taxi drop off.

 

 

What happens in MAC?

 

Please use this entrance to get into MAC.

Check in at reception

 

When you arrive, please check in at Reception.

A member of our reception team will:

• Welcome you
• Take a few personal details
• Book you into MAC

They will then show you where to wait.

Waiting room

 

You should be seen by a member of staff within 15 minutes of arriving.

If you have not been seen within 15 minutes of arriving please tell a member of staff.

The waiting room has:

• Hot and cold drinks
• A toilet with baby changing facilities

Rapid review

You will see a midwife for a rapid review.

 

The midwife will:

• Ask why you have come to MAC today
• Check your observations
• Listen to your baby’s heartbeat

 The midwife will then give you a colour rating.

This helps us decide how quickly you need to be seen next.

If anything changes while you are waiting, please tell a midwife straight away.

Ongoing care

 

Next, you will see a different midwife.

They may:

• Do more tests
• Carry out different checks

You may also see a doctor if needed.

What happens next?

After your care, one of the following will happen:

• You may go home. Please contact MAC again if you have any concerns
• You may be admitted to the Antenatal Ward

You may be admitted to Labour Ward

Colour Rating in rapid review explained:

Maternity Triage helps us to prioritise the safe of the women and babies in our care. It helps to treat the women who need urgent care first. We use the BSOTs model in our maternity triage. 

You will be given a colour rating at the end of your rapid review.  A midwife will see you for the next part of your care dependant on your colour rating:

Feedback

We welcome your feedback about your experience in MAC. Your comments help us improve our care and services. 

 The best way to give feedback is through the Friends and Family Test (FFT). Your feedback is confidential and anonymous. Because the FFT is anonymous, we cannot reply directly to any comments you make.