Mothers in west Norfolk have welcomed an improved maternity service with the official opening of The Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s new midwife led birthing unit.
The High Sheriff of Norfolk, Nicholas Pratt, cut the ribbon to formally open The Waterlily Birth Centre, accompanied by his wife, who gave birth to their three children at the hospital.
They were joined by Alife, one of the first babies to be born in the new facility along with his proud partents Roxanne Smith and Ian Knight, Trust Chair, Edward Libbey, and a host of health professionals.
Roxanne Smith commented: “It was fantastic for us to use the Waterlily Birth Centre. Being able to use the room made the whole experience nicer and we felt calm and reassured when Alfie was born. Being invited back today was an honor.”
Catherine Morgan, Director of Nursing, said “We are delighted our new unit has been so gladly received, and it has been lovely to welcome back parents Roxanne and Ian Smith. The unit forms part of our journey of improvement and being able to provide our expectant mothers more choice is a significant achievement for the Trust. We look forward to welcoming expectant mothers for many years to come.”
High Sheriff of Norfolk, Nicholas Pratt, went on to say: “The Queen Elizabeth Hospital has been a part of my and my wife’s life for many years, and especially the midwifery team as they delivered our three children. It is a great honour to be a part of today, and to see the Trust leading the way in offering these outstanding facilities makes me feel very proud indeed.”
Since the unit opened on 21 December 2015, over 25 babies have been delivered in the Waterlily Birth Centre which hosts state of the art equipment in modern surroundings. It has been designed to aid relaxation during labour, with a home from home feel for both mothers and their partners. Expectant mothers will benefit from rooms with en-suite facilities, a kitchen and living area and a variety of specialist birthing equipment including birthing pools and tools to support different birthing positions.
The Waterlily Birth Centre can be used by women experiencing straightforward pregnancies and is located next to the hospital’s Central Delivery Suite so that mother and baby can be transferred with minimal disruption in the event of any complications.
If you are pregnant and would like to know whether The Waterlily Birth Centre would be recommended in your circumstances you are advised to speak to your community midwife. Alternatively you can arrange to visit the centre by calling 01553 214635.
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