York Hospital opens refurbished Women’s Unit after major upgrade
New facilities hope to improve privacy, dignity and care for women across the region
York Hospital has officially opened its newly refurbished Women’s Unit, marking the first major upgrade to the space since 1984.
Leaders say the eight-month transformation has created a brighter, more welcoming environment for women. It also brings together gynaecology and early pregnancy services under one roof.
The redesigned unit includes additional assessment rooms, private changing facilities, dedicated counselling rooms and a new recovery bay. With improved flow and accessibility, it aims to reduce stress for patients while offering greater privacy and dignity.
The Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit (EPAU) and Gynaecology Assessment Unit are now based in the same space, allowing increased capacity for acute assessments as well as hysteroscopy and colposcopy services. Staff also benefit from a new office layout that supports more efficient working.
Sarah York, Lead Nurse for Hysteroscopy and Colposcopy, said: “It’s significantly better for colleagues and patients. The space now flows properly.”
Gemma Ellison, Associate Chief Operating Officer for Family Health, described the refurbishment as a significant step forward in York Hospital’s commitment to women’s healthcare. She said: “The unit offers women the privacy and dignity they truly deserve, as well as providing the working environment our teams need, which makes their working lives better.”
The modernised unit is designed to ensure that women at some of the most emotionally challenging times in their lives receive care in a safe, respectful and supportive environment.