Opening for new Cheltenham Birth Centre

The official opening of the new birth centre at Cheltenham General Hospital took place today.

The centre was opened by RCM general secretary Cathy Warwick, who unveiled a plaque to mark the occasion.

Vivien Mortimore, NHS Gloucestershire’s head of midwifery, welcomed the visit. She 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 promotes the concept of 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.

The en-suite birthing rooms in the centre are equipped with the tools to promote natural birth, from birthing balls and cushions, to music and low lighting.

Hazel Williams, lead midwife at the centre, said: ‘People have been very positive – both midwives and mothers who come in absolutely love 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 patients and families.’

Professor Warwick was joined by mothers who have given birth at the centre, along with many midwives from the hospitals and community and mothers-to-be.