What this is about
The maternity triage department is who you will contact if you have an urgent problem relating to your pregnancy or immediately following the birth of your baby. The department is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and can be contacted both by phone and in person.
To make sure we see the people who need urgent care first, we are using a system of prioritisation (triage) like the system used in Emergency Departments. We do this by using the Birmingham Symptom-specific Obstetric Triage System (BSOTs) which has been specifically developed for use in maternity care and is used in many other maternity units across the UK.
What we are doing
- Our goal is to see and assess everyone within 15 minutes of their arrival.
- Following this, patients are seen in order of urgency by a midwife or doctor as appropriate to their clinical need.
- The staff and midwives explain this to the patients and make sure that they know how long they are likely to wait and why.
How this helps you
We are ensuring those with the most worrying problems are prioritised, meaning everyone receives the appropriate care they need.
Our progress
BSOTS was introduced to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh in 2022, and in St John’s Hospital in May 2025. Three out of every four people are now examined and assessed within 15 minutes of arrival, and over 90% within half an hour.
What you can do
It is good to keep a note of when and where to seek help during your pregnancy and after the birth of your baby. You can find more information about when to contact maternity services and important phone numbers here. Maternity Services – NHS Lothian | Our Services
When coming to the hospital triage be prepared in case it is busy. You can bring what you need to keep comfortable while you are waiting, such as a cushion, water, snacks or a portable fan in the summer.
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