Lilac Ward

Lilac Ward is a 28 bedded antenatal and postnatal ward at Hinchingbrooke Hospital. The ward consists of 3 side rooms and five 5 bedded bays. The friendly ward team consists of Midwives, Maternity Support Staff, Obstetrician’s, Newborn Hearing Screeners and a Paediatrician who visits the ward daily to ensure that families get the best care during their stay. 

Women who are cared for on Lilac Ward, include:

  • High risk antenatal patients requiring admission for observations
  • Induction of Labour
  • Postnatal care to mothers and babies, including Transitional Care

We have close working relationships with our neonatal team to support our Transitional Care facilities. 

On the ward the infant feeding team play an important role in supporting mothers to feed their babies, though all staff are trained in offering this support as well.

Staff also work closely with the multidisciplinary team, including, obstetricians, paediatricians, safeguarding team and community team to ensure a high level of care is provided to our patients. 

Staff are highly committed to ensuring families receive excellent care. Staff promote and embed the Trust values within the care provided. We always value patient feedback to help us improve patient experience and our maternity services.

Location: Level 1, take the lift or stairs and follow the signs (it is located opposite Labour Ward)

Ward telephone: 01480 418770

Visiting times:   

  • Partners: Open visiting     
  • All other visitors: 2pm to 4pm 
  • All other visitors: 6pm to 8pm    

Ward facilities:

  • There are 28 beds on the ward            
  • A mixture of single rooms with en-suite facilities and bays of five beds with a shared en-suite wet room 
  • Your baby will stay in a cot beside your bed
  • Each bed has access to free TV 
  • There is a day room located within the ward

Your hospital stay: 

During your stay - your baby will stay beside you day and night.

You will be encouraged to be as independent as you can with your baby but our midwives will be available to offer assistance and advice should you need it.

Cot linen and towels for your babies use will be provided. We do not provide nappies, clothes, cotton wool or toiletries so please ask visitors to bring them in for you if needed.

We have a specialist infant feeding team who will assist and support mothers in their chosen choice of feeding. If you wish to formula feed please ensure you bring in ready made newborn formula milk.

If you wish to leave the ward for any reason you should always tell the midwife on duty. 

Going home:

Your midwife should give you a predicted discharge date and estimation of time of when you can expect to be discharged. It is usual when you have had a straightforward delivery to go home the same or next day.

Before you are discharged your baby will need a routine physical examination by a paediatrician or midwife. You will also be offered a hearing screen and a vaccination if this has been recommended for your baby. Any medications you need to take home will be supplied.

Once your midwife has performed all the checks for you and your baby, and the paperwork has been completed, then you may then go home.

The discharge procedure can take a few hours due to medications and paperwork. If you have urgent issues to deal with at home, you can nominate someone to return and collect your medications.

We strongly advise that you use a car seat for taking baby home.