The Countess of Chester Hospital’s newly decorated and refurbished birthing suites gained a very special seal of approval this morning, as the first Mum to give birth in the new and improved maternity facilities returned to officially open the suites.
Carla Nieman gave birth to her daughter Isla, 15 months ago when the midwives at The Countess were starting to make small improvements through their own fundraising efforts so as to enhance the experience of giving birth at the Hospital. And it was positive feedback from Mums like Carla that inspired the midwifery team to apply for funding from West Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) so as to properly refurbish and decorate the two birthing pool suites and family sitting room.
Kathie Grimes, Deputy Head of Midwifery said: “Mums and their families are understandably nervous when they come into hospital to give birth and we are keen to promote ‘normality’ in our birthing suites and create a relaxing and calm environment for them to welcome their baby into the world. Through our own fundraising efforts we had begun adding small touches such as a bubble lamp, inspiring and relaxing quotes and even a special birthing couch to our birthing pool room at the time that Carla gave birth to Isla. She and other Mums were so positive about the environment that it gave us the confidence to push ahead with our efforts to gain funding from the CCG and make further, more significant improvements.”
After receiving almost £150,000 to create a new birthing suite including birthing pool, en-suite facilities and birthing couch as well as completely refurbishing the original birthing suite, and redecorating a family sitting room, the rooms were ready to be officially opened by our special VIPs. And today Carla, her partner Audley, son Rory, 3 and Isla, 15 months were all on hand to cut the ribbon and declare the unit open.
Carla comments: “We were delighted to be asked to officially open the new birthing suites at The Countess. I had Rory at home but he needed emergency help following the birth and the midwives at the Hospital were wonderful. So when it came to having Isla, as much as I wanted another home birth, I was nervous and the birthing suite at The Countess seemed like the best compromise. There was great privacy for Audley and I and it was relaxed, soothing and with lots of space. It didn’t feel at all like a hospital room yet we had that medical reassurance that we were looking for. Seeing what they’ve done to improve the facilities even more is fantastic. Giving birth is such a big moment and I can’t speak highly enough of the midwives at The Countess. They are great.”
Kathie added: “We are so pleased that Carla and her family were able to join us today.
It’s been quite a journey to get to this point and we’d like to thank the CCG for providing us with the funding to realise our ambitions. Our initial small changes led to a much bigger commitment and we are very proud of our new facilities. It is reflected in the positive comments we receive from our Mums on a daily basis and who seem to love the calming feel of the place. The level of care has always been excellent but now we have the physical environment to match.”
- Pregnant women attending The Countess of Chester Hospital can be assured they are receiving the best maternity care available as our Midwifery Management Team were last week crowned Team of the Year at the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) 2015 Annual Midwifery Awards.
- The team also won NHS Innovator of the Year award last autumn which showcased great leadership from within the NHS in the North West and celebrated those who have ultimately improved patient experience.
Further information about the range of maternity options available visit: www.coch.nhs.uk/all-services/midwifery-services