First born at new birthing centre

MISTY Hopkins was the first baby to be born at Warwick Hospital’s new £1.6million Bluebell Birth Centre following its opening on Monday, writes Leah Beckett.

The baby girl was born at 5.50am on Wednesday, 4th July, to parents Isabel and Dale Hopkins from Alcester. She tipped the scales at 8lbs 3ozs.

The midwives Alba O’Donnell and Hayley Russell supported the Isabel through her birth and their family polaroid photo takes its place as the first on the centre’s 'family tree'.

The midwife-led unit - the first of its kind in South Warwickshire - is on the same site as the Consultant Obstetric Unit. Building work began in January.

It has its own separate entrance, and four birthing rooms- all of which have birthing pools available, as well as a private garden and relaxing rooms for parents.

The building itself was paid for our of NHS funds, but a £200,000 fundraising appeal is ongoing to buy enhanced equipment and upgraded furnishings, with £123,000 raised so far.

Head of Midwifery at South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust, Sarah Noble, said: “The support we have received has been phenomenal and I would take this opportunity to encourage others to get involved to ensure we can make every room as fabulous as possible.

“I am extremely proud of the facility and would like to thank everyone that has made it possible, staff, fundraisers and donors.”

To donate or to discuss any fundraising ideas please contact the Fundraising Department on 01926 495321 ext 8049 or e-mail charity@swft.nhs.uk