Maternity unit upgrade to make labour more relaxing

By Matthew Bates Monday 28 January 2013 Updated: 05/02 08:19

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AN UPGRADED maternity unit will help make labour more relaxing for mums-to-be at University Hospital in Coventry.

A government health minister visited the Walsgrave site to announce maternity unit upgrades at over 100 hospitals. The Coventry hospital has been handed £746,448 - more than any other hospital in the region.

Dr Dan Poulter revealed a £25 million pot would be shared by the sites, with the hospital - where Rugby mothers give birth - aiming to install new units in a bid to make labour at hospital more like a home birth.

Four new birthing pools have also been earmarked for the hospital to add to the one already installed.

Dr Poulter said: "A new arrival in the family is a joyous time but it can present a real challenge for mums and families, particularly those experiencing it for the first time.

"These will make a big difference to the experience mums and families have of NHS maternity services, with more choice and a better environment where women can give birth.

“Maternity units have had to show evidence that they asked mums and dads about what changes they need to make – so we know these are the changes local people really want to see.”

Bids for cash under the fund were judged by a panel including representatives from the Royal College of Midwives.

Chief executive Cathy Warwick added: "It is great to learn about the positive changes that this extra £25 million will make to many units up and down the country."