THE FIRST baby has been welcomed at Warwick Hospital’s Bluebell Birth Centre.
The £1.6million centre, which opened its doors on Monday (July 2) saw Misty Hopkins brought into the world at 5.50am on Wednesday (July 4),
Midwives Alba O’Donnell and Hayley Russell supported Isabel Hopkins in her birth.
The baby girl weighed 8lbs 3ozs and mum Isabel and husband Dale were ‘delighted’ to be the first to have their baby in the new birth centre.
Misty’s photo was also the first go to on a ‘tree’ in the centre which will feature images of all the babies born there.
The midwife-led unit at the Lakin Road site was created to offer expectant mums across south Warwickshire and the surrounding areas a more homely environment to bring their babies into the world.
It has been taken from ‘functional to fabulous’ thanks to the Birth and Babies appeal, which has been supported since January by Observer readers.
Fund-raisers have held bake sales, fun days, ran marathons and even raced across the Arctic to raise money for items which do not come as standard on the new unit. These include cooling fans, special baby cribs and mood lighting.
Recently £650 was donated to the cause by Kenilworth Lions.
But some £75,000 still needs to be raised.
SWFT Head of Midwifery Sarah Noble said: “The Bluebell Birth Centre is a really exciting development for maternity services at the trust and will benefit families across Warwickshire and the surrounding areas.
“It is fantastic we are now able to offer women more choice on place of birth. Research shows that for women who have uncomplicated pregnancies there are improved birth outcomes, for both mums and babies, from birthing in a midwife led unit.
“I am extremely proud of the facility and would like to thank everyone that has made it possible – staff, fund-raisers and donors. 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.”
Call 01926 495321 or email [email protected] to contact the hospital about fund-raising for the Birth and Babies appeal.
