THE CITY’S new birth centre has been given a financial boost ahead of its opening.
The Michael Marsh Charitable Trust handed over a bumper cheque for £2,000 to the Meadow Birth Centre – a midwife-led unit set to open at the end of this month.
The money will be used to provide equipment and resources over and above current NHS provision and will allow midwives at the Worcestershire Royal Hospital based centre to provide a calm, relaxing and tranquil birth environment for mums-to-be from across the county.
Meadow Birth Centre, run by experienced midwives, will offer a safe place to give birth for ‘low risk’ women who have had no complications or medical problems during their pregnancy.
The four-bed centre, each with an en-suite, will offer a comfortable environment where birth is treated as a ‘normal’ process (without intervention), rather than a medical one.
The centre will be near to the current delivery suite, but not a part of it and hospital bosses say it will look and feel homely – not like a hospital – helping women and their families to feel comfortable and relaxed.
Rachel Carter, matron for maternity, said: “We are delighted to receive this generous donation on behalf of the Worcestershire families who will benefit from it.
“This money will enable us to better prepare the birthing environment to ensure that pregnant women are able to give birth to their babies in the environment that best suits their needs without appearing clinical.
“We intend to purchase items that will put women at ease, making their birth a memorable experience for the right reasons; for example, lighting, music and soft furnishings as well as medical equipment that is suited to a home from home environment as well as being functional should the need arise.
“Without such donations we would not be able to achieve the desired outcome.”
The team are still looking for support so anyone who is interested in supporting the new Meadow Birth Centre should visit www.justgiving.com/meadowbirthcentre.
Alternatively text MBCW97 plus £5/£10/£25 to 70070 (e.g. MBCW97 £5 to 70070).
