Visualisation of the newly built three suite Alongside Midwifery-Led Unit, to the right of the main entrance, at Antrim Area Hospital
Plans to build an Alongside Midwifery-Led Unit (AMLU) at Antrim Area Hospital have been approved by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.
At a meeting of the Council’s Planning Committee last month, councillors green-lighted the Northern Health and Social Care Trust’s £5.5m project for a purpose-built three-suite unit at the hospital.
Caroline Diamond, Assistant Director of Women’s Health and Head of Midwifery and Gynaecology said the creation of the unit would give women in the Northern Trust area parity with the rest of the region.
Visualisation of the newly built three suite Alongside Midwifery-Led Unit, viewed from the former Emergency Department car park at Antrim Area Hospital
“Unlike the four other HSC Trusts, there is no midwifery-led unit in our Trust currently. Having an alongside midwifery-led unit in Antrim will give women more choice around their maternity care pathways, and create equity across the entire region,” said Caroline.
“We’re delighted to have received this planning approval as it brings us a step closer to delivering improved experiences for women in our community.”
The three additional birthing suites will be separate to the main maternity ward but women will have access to the on-site obstetric and consultant-led services if required. The unit will also have its own separate entrance.
Site plan for the newly constructed three suite Alongside Midwifery-Led Unit at Antrim Area Hospital
Ground floor plan for the newly constructed three suite Alongside Midwifery-Led Unit at Antrim Area Hospital
First floor plan for the newly constructed three suite Alongside Midwifery-Led Unit at Antrim Area Hospital
The development of the unit at Antrim was a requirement of the Permanent Secretary Peter May when he approved the recommendation of the Trust Board to consolidate all hospital births at Antrim Area Hospital.
Since July 2023, all hospital births have taken place at Antrim Area Hospital while Causeway Hospital continues to provide both antenatal and postnatal care, as well as enhanced pregnancy care clinics
The AMLU is expected to be operational by the end of 2026.