The Need

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 (WZA) 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 Q-bital Plan

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 Young Medical, the Dutch distributor and partner of Q-bital, to explore what solutions could be offered to create a safe, high quality and still warm and welcoming delivery suite for expectant mothers.

The Q-bital Solution

Q-bital worked alongside the hospital 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 customised to ensure it met the hospital’s requirements and provided them with a fully equipped delivery room of the very highest standards. This customisation included laying a new flooring and including homely and welcoming wall coverings to make the environment less clinical and more appealing.

The Outcome

The Q-bital Healthcare Space was on site for six months where it served as a fourth delivery room for the team. During that time, Q-bital received very positive feedback, both from the staff working on the facility and mothers and their families about the welcoming and high-quality environment the Healthcare Space provided for this extremely important hospital experience. Around one baby a day was born in the temporary delivery suite – giving a grand total of around 125 brand new babies who were welcomed into the world in the Q-bital mobile delivery room!