MATERNITY staff have unveiled the name of Worcester’s new midwife-led birth centre.
Following a competition to name the centre it will now be called ‘Meadow Birth Centre’.
The name, put forward by former Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust sonographer Rachel Spencer, was chosen by a panel of midwives, other birth professionals and hospital representatives this week from a shortlist of six potential names.
More than 70 people, including members of staff, patients and local birthing experts, entered the competition to name the centre at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, which is expected to be open by November.
Patti Paine, Divisional Director of Nursing and Midwifery, said: “We had some great suggestions from a wide range of people, so to narrow it down was very difficult. We chose ‘Meadow Birth Centre’ as it conjures up a serene and natural picture in the mind, which is very much the ethos of the centre.”
Rachel Spencer recently left the trust to become a full time mum to her 14 month old son Rupert. She said: “I am really pleased that my name was chosen. I’m not normally lucky with competitions, so this is a great surprise.
“When Rupert was born at Worcestershire Royal all the staff were lovely. I couldn’t fault my experience here. All these new plans for the birth centre sound so exciting. They can only further improve the already great care women receive here.”
Final plans have now been signed off and work on the centre is due to start in the next few weeks, with the first women expected to deliver their babies there by November.
Meadow Birth Centre, run by experienced midwives, will 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, will offer a comfortable environment where birth is treated as a ‘normal’ process, or without intervention, rather than a medical one.
As a prize Rachel received a £100 gift voucher donated by Worcestershire Hospitals SPC Plc, who manage the Worcestershire Royal Hospital PFI contract.
Further information on the Meadow Birth Centre is available at www.worcsacute.nhs.uk/meadowbirthcentre.
