This Friday 5^th August sees the official opening of The Birth Centre at Cheltenham General Hospital. Professor Cathy Warwick, General Secretary of the Royal College of Midwives will be visiting the centre and unveiling a plaque to mark the occasion at 11.45am.

Vivien Mortimore, Head of Midwifery at the Trust said: 

“We are delighted that Professor Warwick has agreed to open the centre for us.  We see it as a seal of approval for our new centre, which offers midwifery-led care.”

Although the new centre has been operational since January, it underwent a £250,000 refurbishment which was unveiled in April this year. Perfect for women with uncomplicated pregnancies, the en-suite birthing rooms aim to create an environment that promotes natural birth. The rooms all have birthing balls and cushions, music and low lighting and midwives offer the use of essential oils and massage to support women through labour.

Two of the five rooms also have a birthing pool for those who choice to use water in labour and these are proving to be extremely popular

Hazel Williams, lead midwife at the Centre, said: "Both Mothers and Midwives have been very positive – and everyone who come in absolutely loves it. We have been here for a few months and are very proud of the way the centre is working. We have had fantastic feedback from our mothers and their families.”

Professor Warwick will be joined on the day by mothers who have given birth at the centre along with many midwives from the hospitals and community as well as mothers-to-be.  The event extends to an open day in the afternoon where other members of the health community, voluntary organisations and related businesses will have the opportunity to see the new unit and talk to staff.