The Maternity Assessment Centre (MAC) is a dedicated day unit that offers maternal and fetal surveillance for women with obstetric related complications in pregnancy. The unit provides both planned and unplanned services to women in pregnancy from 20 weeks gestation. It is operational seven days a week, 0900 to 1700 hours. Outside of these hours, any pregnancy concern is seen through our birthing suites at level 1 Northern Hospital in Epping.
Services include, but are not limited to: Assessing maternal and fetal wellbeing in the antenatal period (during pregnancy) Assessing maternal and fetal wellbeing in early labour MAC is located on level 1, Northern Hospital, Epping.
What to expect from the service?
You can self-refer to this service or be referred by a health professional. It’s best to call first on (03) 8405 2277 and speak to one of our midwives to initially assess your situation and to give you advice, which may include coming to the Maternity Assessment Centre or birthing suites. Our Maternity Assessment Centre and birthing suites can provide 24-hour care and advice. However, if for any reason you cannot call us, you can present to the birthing suites to see a midwife. Please call an ambulance if it is an emergency (000). When you arrive, please ‘check in’ with the MAC Reception clerk. They will advise the midwife that you have arrived. If this is an unplanned visit, MAC operates similarly to an Emergency Department. A midwife will assess you and you
will be asked questions related to your pregnancy and the signs and/or symptoms that you are concerned about. This information will determine the type of care you require and how urgently you require this care. If your condition is not urgent, you may be asked to wait to be assessed and treated. If your condition worsens while you are waiting, please inform the staff. It is important that you understand that women will be prioritised based on clinical need, rather than order of arrival. You should contact the hospital if you have any of the following symptoms. If you: Notice your waters break – this may occur before or after labour contractions begin. Have any vaginal bleeding that is not mixed with mucous. Small amounts of vaginal bleeding or spotting with lots of mucous is called a ‘show’ and can be a sign that your body is preparing for labour, or that labour is progressing normally. You can also get a ‘show’ if you have had a vaginal examination during your admission to the hospital. Contractions are regular, last more than 30 seconds and are closer than 5 minutes apart. Feel frightened or unsure about what is happening. Need medication for pain management. Do not feel your baby moving or the movements have changed. Have an unusual headache or blurred vision. Have had a fall, a minor car accident or any minor abdominal trauma. Have a fever or unwell. Have constant itching with or without a rash. Are concerned about any other changes.
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The Maternity Assessment Centre is generally accessed by women on the basis of individual need. Sometimes a patient may describe symptoms or show clinical signs that may indicate a pregnancy condition or complication during a routine antenatal or G.P. appointment. In this case, the patient can be referred to MAC for timely expert assessment and management. Health providers are encouraged to phone MAC on (03) 8405 8330 (midwife in charge) or outside MAC hours (03) 8405 2277 to discuss the patient’s condition and determine if MAC is the appropriate place for assessment. A written referral should be given to the patient and they should be advised to present to MAC or Birth suite Reception with the referral.
What you should refer to us: Patients who are 20 weeks and over gestation and experience: Reduced fetal movements or a change in pattern Ruptured membranes in pregnancy High blood pressure, with or without proteinuria Unusual headaches or visual disturbances Vaginal bleeding Abdominal pain, either constant or coming and going Uncontrolled itching with or without a rash Women that are unwell or have a fever Women that have had a fall, car accident or minor abdominal trauma What/when you should not refer to us Patients who are under 20 weeks pregnant should present to the Emergency Department Patients who are postpartum Patients experiencing non-pregnancy related conditions, i.e. colds, cough, vomiting, or diarrhoea. A G.P. or Emergency Department would be more appropriate. Routine antenatal care should be referred to the Outpatient Antenatal Clinic.