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Please be aware, the information on this page relates to Luton & Dunstable University Hospital

Giving birth

Our Maternity Department is on the ground floor of the Maternity Building and includes a Triage (Ward 31) for the initial assessment and care if you think you may be in labour, or have any other pregnancy related concerns; a delivery suite which includes 10 labour rooms, one birthing room with a pool for waterbirths, two operating theatres, and recovery rooms; a co-located Midwife Led Birth Unit with four midwife-led birthing rooms (one with a birthing pool), where we have created a ‘home from home’ feel for mums.

Home birth
We understand choice is very important for our women and we support a 24 hour home birth service.

Home births are supported by our community-based midwives, who will remain with you once you are in established labour and two midwives will be present at birth. We encourage waterbirths and can help you arrange the use of an inflatable pool.

A homebirth may not be recommended by your midwife or obstetrician. You may want to disucss your choice or options at the Consultant Midwife Led Birth Options Clinic where we can provide support for you and the midwaves in order to promote safety.

Unexpected closure of lifts in Beeden House and reduced lift capacity in the Main Block, Bedford Hospital

Beeden House

We have had to make the difficult decision to close both lifts in Beeden House after finding an unexpected fault during routine maintenance.

This means that there will be disruption to services and appointments on the upper floors of Beeden House.

We are currently contacting patients to find the best individual solution for them, minimise disruption and ensure they continue to receive the care they need. At this point you do not need to contact us, we will contact all affected patients.

The decision to close the lifts was hard, but we felt it was the safest decision to best protect our patients and staff.

Reduced lift capacity in the Main Block

Please be aware our lifts in the Main Block currently have reduced capacity. In order to maintain lift functions and minimise traffic in the remaining lifts, we will be prioritising high priority movements.

Staff, patients and visitors can access the main block lifts if required, but may be asked to wait at main reception while other priority movements are made. A minimum of 4 people will be required before the lift departs. Security staff operating the lifts will be mindful that not all disabilities are visible and make appropriate accommodations for non-ambulant staff and visitors.

We apologise for the inconvenience the closure of lifts and reduced lift capacity will cause.

Thank you to everyone for your patience and support.