Aalborg hospital’s maternity ward praised despite broader criticism of new facility

The newly opened Hospitalsbyen in Aalborg has faced weeks of criticism over working conditions, but the relocation of its maternity ward has been met with approval from both staff and patients, reports DR.

Julie Dehn Jeppesen became the first woman to give birth at the new hospital on Sunday, May 3, delivering her daughter Ida just one hour after arrival. “She was determined to be the first,” Jeppesen said of her newborn. “It was a big day for the staff, and a big day for us.”

Despite reports of missing staff lockers, lack of privacy in changing rooms, and temperatures reaching 31°C in some areas of the new hospital, the maternity ward’s move has proceeded smoothly. Arianne Nørhave, acting deputy head midwife, described the transition as “incredibly successful,” acknowledging minor challenges but crediting the team of midwives, healthcare assistants, and nurses for preserving the best practices from the old facility.

Jeppesen, who previously gave birth at the old hospital, noted clear improvements: “Parking is easier, and having a private bathroom was wonderful. Everything is bigger and newer compared to the old place.” She called the experience “very positive,” adding that staff morale was high.

To mark the ward’s relocation, a staff member prepared gifts—a teddy bear and ceramic figurine—for the last baby born at the old hospital and the first at the new one. Jeppesen and Ida took theirs home. “It’s a sweet story that my daughter was the first,” she said. “The lovely gift basket will be a nice memory to look back on.”