Work starts on hospital's new birthing centre

BUILDING work has started on the new £1.6million birthing centre in the grounds of Warwick Hospital.

The centre will be midwife-led with its own separate entrance, four birthing rooms, with birthing pools available in all of them. There will also be a separate room for parents to relax in, as well as a private garden.

It is the only non-clinical birthing centre of its kind in south Warwickshire.

A opening date has yet to be set.

South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust also has a Consultant Obstetric Unit at Warwick and community home birthing teams, and says the expansion of maternity services will ensure women have more choice on where to deliver their babies.

The build costs are coming out of the trust's own budget, but a £200,000 Birth and Babies Appeal is also running to pay for enhanced equipment and upgraded furnishings to make the centre feel like a home-from-home.

So far, the appeal has raised £54,000.

Helen Lancaster, Director of Operations said: “This is a very exciting time.

"The start of the building work is a key milestone on the way to offering women more choice on where they give birth.

"The new maternity centre will offer great benefits to families across Warwickshire and the surrounding areas.”

Steve Speller, joint owner of builders Speller Metcalfe said: “We are delighted to be working with long-standing client, South Warwickshire NHS Trust, to provide a new midwifery led unit. The new state-of-the-art facilities will ensure that patients receive the best care and support in a relaxed environment.”

To support the appeal call the fundraising department on 01926 495321 ext 8049, or e-mail charity@swft.nhs.uk