Important information on COVID-19 / Renseignements importants sur la COVID-19!

We are asking all patients and visitors coming to HSN to please wear a mask as an added step to reduce the spread of germs and protect vulnerable patients. Handmade masks are acceptable as are those available at retailers in our community. Patients going for a procedure where they must remove their mask will be asked to store it with their personal items. If you arrive at the hospital as a patient or care partner and do not have a mask, one will be provided to you and you will be expected to wear it during your time at HSN to keep yourself, other patients and care partners and our staff, physicians, learners and volunteers safe.

Before coming to the hospital, please check our COVID-19 info page for updates.

    Welcome to the Birthing Centre!

    With approximately 1700 deliveries each year, the Birthing Centre provides services before, during and after the birth of your baby.  Our role is to assist parents in learning as much as they can about what to expect prior to the birth of their baby, and preparing for care at home.

    Our 22-bed obstetrical unit consists of:

    • 3 triage rooms
    • 6 labour rooms
    • 13 post partum beds

    We provide family-centred care in a comfortable "care by parent" setting.  Sleep chairs are available in most post partum rooms to accommodate one support person for an overnight stay. 

    Patients presenting for Labour and Delivery are assessed in the obstetrical triage.  The department is staffed by OB/GYN physicians, family physicians with OB privileges, midwives, and a collaborative interdisciplinary team.

     

    Outpatient Services

    Non-Stress Test (NST)

    An NST can be ordered by your care provider to evaluate the well-being of your baby prior to it undergoing the stress of labour.

    An NST is a simple, non-invasive test that does not pose any physical risk to you or your baby. Your baby’s heart rate will be monitored and recorded while the baby is resting and moving. It takes approximately 20-40 minutes to complete.

    Obstetrical Triage

    This is an area where pregnant women come when referred by a physician, midwife or self-referral to assess their health or their baby's health. It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and accommodates women who are over 20 weeks gestation.

    Once in Triage, you will be met by one of our Triage nurses. You will be asked questions about your labour, general health and medical history. The nurse will also check your vital signs  and contractions and listen to the baby’s heart rate, which will be done on a regular basis throughout your labour. While in Triage, a resident or medical student will do a quick history and physical to determine whether you are ready for admission to the labour floor. You will be transferred to a labour/birthing room once you are in established active labour. If you are in early labour, you may be asked to go home for a time. If you live far away from the hospital, you may be able to stay in the early labour lounge.

    Rhogam Clinic

    If rhogam has been ordered by your care provider, it will be administered to you by a Registered Nurse (RN) in the Birthing Centre.

    Visitor Policy

    Visiting restrictions are in place to give our patients time to recover, learn how to care for themselves and their newborn, and reduce the risk of infection.  Your full cooperation is greatly appreciated!

    Click here to view our Visitor Policy.

    Safety and Security

    The Birthing Centre is a locked unit with a “buzzer” system for entry.  Guests will be asked to identify themselves and who they will be visiting prior to entering the unit.

     

    All babies will wear a security bracelet (“HUGS” tag) around their ankle.  These bracelets will trigger an alarm if a baby comes close to the exits (where you see yellow caution tape on the floor), or if the strap or tag is tampered with in any way.  When this alarm sounds, the unit (including all doors and elevators) is automatically shut down.

     

    Video surveillance is also used to keep your infant safe.

     

    Click here for tips on keeping your newborn safe during your hospital stay.