Long overdue £6 million refurbishment for Jersey's maternity ward

The maternity ward at Jersey's General Hospital is getting a £6.5 million refurbishment - but expectant mums will not be moved out while work is ongoing.

The work starts on Monday 16 August after a government scrutiny review found ward conditions "inadequate" and that "significant work" was needed to improve services.

Two midwife-led birth units are planned, along with a special baby care unit, isolation room and a bereavement suite.

To minimise disruption, work will be split into eleven phases. The first is from August 2021 to February 2022, but the unit will not be finished until October 2023.

Jersey's Head of Midwifery, Dana Scott, says the work will be disruptive at times but should not have a significant impact on services.

Women open to a home birth will be supported in their choice.