What we do

The postnatal and Transitional Care ward forms part of the Lancashire Women’s and Newborn Centre at Burnley General Teaching Hospital. It prides itself in being a warm, friendly and clean environment in which you can get to know your new baby and start life as a family together with the support and guidance from our experienced maternity team.

The 38 bedded ward comprises of three zones, A, B and C.

We provide additional care to transitional care babies who have specific needs.

Included in the 38 bedded ward we have amenity rooms which although cannot be booked in advance may be requested at the time around the birth of your baby/babies, subject to availability.

During your stay on the postnatal ward, our team of midwives will assess your needs and plan your care with you on a daily basis. This assessment will include both yourself and your newborn baby. From this assessment, the midwives will be able to tailor an individual care package that will support all your physical and psychological needs in order to prepare you for discharge home and the transition into parenthood.

The midwives are supported by a team of midwifery support workers who help them care for our women and babies. A specially trained infant feeding team are also available to provide additional support and advice. Doctors are also available 24hrs a day if required. We have a strong focus on team working within the unit to promote good communication, safe, personal and effective care.

To complement the midwives daily check,  your baby’s hearing will be assessed by our team of newborn hearing screeners. Your baby will also receive a full top to toe newborn examination from either a specially trained midwife or a Neonatologist. This examination will include a check on your baby’s heart sounds, hips and provide an opportunity to discuss common problems and ailments that you may encounter in the postnatal period.

The midwives caring for you will begin planning your discharge from the time you arrive on the ward and will be able to advise you on the most suitable time for your discharge home. For some mums, this may be an early discharge home on the same day as birth, if all is well and adequate support is available at home.

It is recognised that pregnancy and birth is a normal process and while the hospital environment is the chosen place for some women to give birth, postnatal care and recuperation is best in the home environment and it is advised that support from your partner, family and friends is available on your return home. A 24-hour phone number is available for you to access midwifery advice and this is available within the Badgernotes app. You will also receive follow-up care from the community team midwives.

How to access the service

Women who have given birth to their baby on the birth centres or Central birth suite and need to stay in the hospital for a longer time (for medical reasons or extra support for you or baby) are transferred to our 38 bedded postnatal ward.

Where to find us

We are signposted postnatal ward and can be found on the ground floor in the Lancashire Women’s and Newborn Centre which forms part of the Burnley General Hospital. To maintain the safety of our mums and babies our doors are always locked and access is via a buzzer system.

Ward Manager - Jayne Case

Ward Matron – Louise Bardon

General enquiries

Telephone Number: 01282 804010

Visiting times

Click here for visiting times.

Additional information

Breakfast - 7.30am

Lunch - 11.45am

Evening Meal - 4.30pm

The Tea trolley is available at a refreshment station on the ward. at mealtimes and approximately 10am and late afternoon between 2pm and 4pm.. We can also provide sandwiches and toast outside of mealtimes. If you require fresh drinking water please ask a staff member.