Maternity - Northern Services
We are based within the Ladywell Unit at North Devon District Hospital. We cover rural, town and coastal areas in this stunning part of Devon. Over 1400 babies are born a year either at home or in our Delivery Suite. We are proud to offer one-to-one care during established labour with a midwife within our unit.
Following the birth of your baby, you will be provided with postnatal support at the hospital and after you have been discharged home. You will be offered the opportunity to stay in our post-natal ward until you and your baby are both well enough to return home. However, if you are both well, you may choose to go home straight from the delivery suite.
More about us
Our community midwives have their antenatal clinics in the local GP practices, and community hospitals. Your first appointment should be made with them before 10 weeks of pregnancy. You can do this by leaving a message for the midwife at your GP surgery or contacting antenatal clinic on 01271 322788.
We have six en-suite delivery rooms including two with birthing pools. We can also provide birthing balls and mats to help with your labour. Each room has a television, reclining chair and dimmer switches on the lights. This is to provide you with a relaxing and safe environment to birth your baby.
Maternity theatre
Our maternity theatre is based in labour ward. This is for emergency care or planned elective caesarean section. Elective caesarean sections are usually booked in advance. We will aim to schedule this for a weekday morning following a discussion with your obstetrician.
Home birth
Our community midwives support women who choose to deliver their babies at home in their own surroundings. These are usually women who have had a normal pregnancy with no risk factors. This can be discussed with your midwife during pregnancy.
Antenatal services
We run regular antenatal clinics in the hospital for screening tests, ultrasound scans and specific consultant appointments. You can contact the antenatal clinic on 01271 322788.
Contact us
North Devon District Hospital
Main switchboard on 01271 322577
Antenatal clinic: 01271 322788
Labour ward: 01271322605
Where to find us
We are based in the Ladywell Unit of North Devon District Hospital.
North Devon District Hospital
Raleigh Park
Barnstaple
Devon
EX31 4JB
Take a tour
You can experience what our Maternity department is like through a virtual tour, filmed in three parts:
Basset Ward
Bassett Ward is a mixed antenatal/postnatal ward on the first floor of the Ladywell Unit at
North Devon District Hospital. We have three beds in each bay, plus single rooms, some
of which have en suite facilities. We also have an overnight room for women and their
partners if circumstances require.
Useful videos
We have a wide range of videos which provide information about our services and about the treatment you might receive in our clinics or during your stay in hospital.