A STATE-of-the-art birthing unit has opened its doors at Warwick Hospital.
Work began on the building in January and the £1.6million Bluebell Birth Centre is now accepting its first mums-to-be.
The unit was created to offer expectant mums across south Warwickshire and the surrounding areas a more homely environment to bring their babies into the world.
South Warwickshire Foundation Trust (SWFT) will also continue to provide a Consultant Obstetric Unit from the Lakin Road site, along with the option to give birth at home.
Hospital bosses say women will now have plenty of options on where to deliver their babies.
The new unit – which was built by Stratford Hospital construction team Speller Metcalfe – includes four birthing rooms, each with a pool and a double bed.
There is also a complementary therapy room, where a full-time therapist will carry out treatments such as massages and acupuncture, a family snug room complete with tv and kitchen and a private garden.
Most of the artwork is of familiar places, and the snaps of local scenery have been done by Warwick-based photographer Ben Waters.
And the unit 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.
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.
