Theatres
What we offer
The Norfolk and Norwich maternity department has 2 operating theatres located on the Delivery Suite so that emergency operative procedures (for example, Emergency Caesarean section or Instrumental Birth) can be carried out promptly if required. The Theatre is a very short distance from the birthing rooms on Delivery Suite and a short transfer from the Midwifery Led Birthing Unit.
Elective (planned) Caesarean Section Birth is carried out in the operating theatre located on Delivery Suite. Please refer to the Patient information leaflet on Elective Caesarean Section Birth and see the video link above.
The theatre consists of an anaesthetic room which is used to insert spinal and epidurals (pain relief that is administered into your back), a fully functional operating theatre, a scrub room, and a recovery room. There is an additional operating theatre on Delivery Suite which is used when there are two theatre cases at once.
On occasion the hospital main theatres and recovery unit may be used, they are located along a private corridor just along from Delivery Suite. Whichever operating theatre is used, your team consisting of Theatre Staff, Anaesthetists, Obstetricians, Neonatologists and Midwives are all trained to put you at ease. In most circumstances, one birthing partner will accompany you in theatre and they will be required to wear theatre scrubs and a theatre cap. There are exceptions to this rule if you are having a General Anaesthetic (being put to sleep) which happens more infrequently.
How do I make this choice?
If you choose to request a Caesarean Birth your Obstetrician will explore your choice with you in an individualised discussion (see information on Elective Caesarean).
When a decision to go to theatre arises you and your birthing partner will be fully informed of this and discussions around what to expect will take place. The Doctor will gain your consent by providing information to make sure you are aware of the procedure and have received the information you need to make an informed decision. There are occasions when this is time limited due to a risk to you or your baby and the staff are trained to provide you with the most important information at the time. If you wish to explore birth in theatre during your pregnancy, please discuss with your Midwife or Doctor.
Location
Obstetric Theatre 1 & 2 are located on the Delivery Suite which can be found in the West Block, Level 3, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital