BUILDING work has begun in the maternity department at Worcestershire Royal Hospital this week, in preparation for the opening of the Meadow Birth Centre in the new year.

Over the next few weeks, maternity triage will be relocating to a refurbished area within the delivery suite and the area previously used for maternity triage will be transformed into the county’s new midwife-led birth centre.

Rachel Carter, matron for maternity at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, said: “This is a really exciting time as the birth centre is now starting to take shape and become a reality. We are hoping to welcome our first mums-to-be to give birth in the centre in the new year. We have ensured that all of the work is essential and we will be endeavouring to ensure that the least disruption possible is caused to mums and their babies.”

Meadow Birth Centre, run by experienced midwives, is designed to 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, is supposed to offer a comfortable environment where birth is treated as a ‘normal’ process (without intervention), rather than a medical one.

It will be near to the current delivery suite, but not a part of it. The aim is that it will look and feel homely – not like a hospital – helping women and their families to feel comfortable and relaxed.

Fundraising is underway to raise money to buy equipment and furniture for the centre, including cots, birthing balls and mats, aromatherapy oils and diffusers, cushions and corner lamps and shades and kitchen equipment – all of which will help to create a calming and comfortable environment.

If you would like to donate or help to raise funds for the birth centre, please contact Craig Burchell on 01905 760551 or email fundraising@worcsacute.nhs.uk.


Further information on Meadow Birth Centre is available at www.worcsacute.nhs.uk/meadowbirthcentre.