'Fantastic improvements' unveiled at revamped midwifery unit

A new midwifery unit created thanks to a government grant has officially been unveiled.

The midwifery unit at Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley has been given a £41,000 facelift, creating a homely setting for mothers-to-be to give birth.

It was officially opened yesterday by Professor Cathy Warwick, chief executive of the Royal College of Midwives.

The cash was used to install subdued lighting, inspirational artwork and a variety of birthing balls, stools, mats and bean bags.

Lead midwife manager Andrea Batty, speaking after yesterday's ribbon cutting ceremony, said: "We also used part of the grant to buy night beds for dads, so they can also rest and will be more useful when the family goes home.

"The new items will help my team to provide the best care to mums and babies.

"It is the simple things that make the difference and we are delighted to have more tools to help provide the best birthing experience we can."

Professor Warwick congratulated midwives in Dudley for their hard work and said she was delighted to reopen the unit.

"The team has been able to do some fantastic improvements with the money and there are some unique features and artwork on this unit which look great," she said.

"I am sure the new facilities will be welcomed by women in the area.

"The Trust and the midwifery team should be applauded for demonstrating such commitment in securing this investment in their maternity services."

Head of midwifery at the Dudley Group of Hospitals Steph Mansell added: "Our priority is to help ensure all women who visit the unit have the very best possible care and the developments in the MLU will contribute to this greatly."

Maternity services has also been successful in securing a second government grant which will be used to improve services for bereaved families and vulnerable women as well as support facilities for partners when they are on the ward.