Ward changes 'more sensitive' to pregnancy issues

Ward changes at the Isle of Man's main hospital will be "much more sensitive" and offer a "more confidential" service for women experiencing early pregnancy complications, Manx Care has said.

A ward reconfiguration project is being carried out throughout 2025, with major changes to gynaecological care, as well as changes to the stroke ward.

Manx Care said the changes followed a public survey that gathered feedback on women's health services.

Under the changes a new Gynaecology Assessment Unit (GAU) has been opened to assess and treat urgent gynaecological problems.

Senior Sister for the GAU Jody Brannon said the changes had seen the creation of an early pregnancy assessment unit "to support families" during "profoundly difficult times".

The new Bluebell Suite, which aims to provide a safe space for delivering both good and bad news, has also been developed.

Ms Brannon said the space was "a bit of a comfort room rather than a clinical room" and helped to make the service "more confidential".

While the additional spaces have been opened near to the existing women and children's unit, a separate entrance was now used for access.

There was also new nursing staff dedicated to the area, and with the planned introduction of follow-up services "in a couple of weeks time", the changes were "improving the service massively", Ms Brannon said.

Head of midwifery Regan Baggley said it was clear from the feedback that people "wanted us to concentrate on early pregnancy, pregnancy loss, and gynaecological conditions".

She said the ward changes in gynaecology "ensures that women and their families are receiving the right care at the right time, in the right place and by the right professionals".

Other changes have also been introduced on ward four, where a new location for stroke care is being developed to include rehabilitation services.

The ward was converted to accommodate other services during the coronavirus pandemic and has not reverted back.

Being relocated on the ground floor meant there was "direct access to an outside space that will enhance their overall recovery and wellbeing", Ms Baggley explained.

She said further changes planned in the autumn include creating a combined surgical and gynaecology unit within wards seven and eight.

That would join the surgical wards, which were separated at the start of the pandemic, she added.

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