Bladder scanner on G2 maternity

19 AUGUST 2026

Mothers receiving care on G2 Maternity Ward at York Hospital are now benefiting from a dedicated bladder scanner that is improving comfort, dignity, and recovery after childbirth.

Following birth, it is important for clinical teams to check that a mother's bladder is functioning normally. Previously, staff often had to borrow a scanner from elsewhere in the hospital or, in some cases, use catheterisation to assess bladder function. Catheter insertion can be uncomfortable and invasive for new mothers and may increase the risk of infection, potentially extending a hospital stay.

The new bladder scanner provides a quick, safe, and non-invasive way to check whether the bladder is emptying correctly. This enables clinicians to assess mothers more comfortably while reducing the need for unnecessary procedures.

Debbie Sharp, Ward Manager for G2 Maternity Ward, said:

"Prior to us having our own bladder scanner, we would have to hope there was a bladder scanner going spare or go straight to catheterisation. Our mothers have just given birth; we want them to be feeling as ‘normal’ as possible as quickly as possible.

"Giving birth puts strain on the body and can affect post-birth bladder function. We need to ensure quickly that mothers are fully emptying their bladder. The quickest, safest, and kindest way to do this is to use the bladder scanner. Thanks to York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity we are able to do this with dignity."

Having a dedicated scanner available on the ward means staff can provide timely assessments while maintaining a calm and positive experience for mothers during their recovery. The equipment supports compassionate, patient-centred care at a time when comfort and reassurance are especially important.