An increased demand for maternity services was expected in Assen and Emmen in the Netherlands as a result of planned closures of obstetrics and paediatrics services in nearby Hoogeveen. These services had already closed in Stadskanaal – it was anticipated maternity services at the Wilhelmina Hospital Assen would come under increased pressure to support mothers in labour who previously would have been cared for and delivered their babies in Hoogeveen or Staskkanaal.

The WZA wanted to prepare for the potential increased demands on its maternity and obstetrics services by expanding its capacity through the introduction of the mobile ward to be used as an additional delivery room. They approached us to explore what solutions could be offered to create a safe, high quality and still warm and welcoming delivery suite for expectant mothers.

We worked alongside the hospital staff to modify a mobile ward to create a delivery suite which helped the hospital continue to maintain the level of clinical obstetrics support available for pregnant women in the area. Seamlessly linked to the hospital, the delivery room was customized to ensure it met the hospital’s requirements and provided them with a fully equipped delivery room of the very highest standards. This customization included laying a new flooring and including homely and welcoming wall coverings to make the environment less clinical and more appealing

The unit was on site for six months and during that time 125 brand new babies were welcomed into the world in the mobile delivery room!