Improving antenatal care: the role of an antenatal assessment unit.

Rising demand for obstetric services combined with developments in clinical practice prompted a reappraisal of the maternity services provided in Northampton. This has resulted in a new outpatient day assessment centre for patients with antenatal complications, providing improved clinical facilities at minimal cost. This paper describes the development of the unit and reviews the first 200 referrals. An alternative to inpatient hospitalisation for antenatal complications is proposed, which offers considerable potential benefits to patients and budgets alike.