New triage system at Lancaster and Barrow maternity units

Posted on: 28 March 2023

  • Furness General Hospital
  • Royal Lancaster Infirmary

A new triage system is being used in maternity services at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary (RLI) and South Lakes Birth Centre (SLBC) to ensure that women with the most urgent clinical needs are prioritised appropriately.

This is similar to the system used in A&E departments which helps those with the greatest clinical need to be seen first, instead of in order of arrival. 

We will aim to see you for an initial triage within 15 minutes of your arrival. You will then be assigned a colour based on the urgency of your clinical need and if any further assessment or investigations are needed.

The time frames to be seen after your initial triage are as follows:

  • Red: immediately
  • Orange: within 15 minutes
  • Yellow: up to 1 hour
  • Green: up to 4 hours

This might mean that other people are seen before you whilst you wait, but it does not mean we have forgotten about you. Please continue to be patient with us as we work to give everyone the care they require. 

If you have any concerns about you or your baby’s health, including if you think you might be going into labour, please contact the maternity units directly: 

  • RLI - 01524 583863
  • SLBC - 01229 403988