HUS launches a childbirth helpline

In future, patients coming in to give birth will call the childbirth helpline instead of the individual numbers of the maternity hospitals. The childbirth helpline, tel. 09 471 71500, will open June 10, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. The phone numbers of the maternity hospitals will not be completely deactivated but calls to them will be routed to the childbirth helpline.  
   
Patients should always call the childbirth helpline before leaving to give birth. To ensure that we are able to provide smooth guidance, HUS would prefer that the person giving birth calls the helpline herself. The midwife who answers the call will assess the situation and direct the patient to the appropriate maternity hospital. The patient's wishes will be the main consideration in the choice of maternity hospital. Medical criteria and bed availability in the maternity hospitals will also be considered. 
 
The aim of the centralized helpline is to make it easier to arrive to give birth. The childbirth helpline and common situational picture also help to prevent crowding at the labor wards. The childbirth helpline has been in testing during office hours since May 6. 

“We have received positive feedback during the pilot project. The calls are taken by experienced midwives as before, but now all those who are coming in to give birth receive guidance from a single phone number throughout the HUS region,” says Satu Polkko, Nurse Director for Emergency Services in Gynecology and Obstetrics.