EXPECTANT mums living near to the Alexandra Hospital were welcomed to the brand new antenatal clinic at the hospital, which opened its doors earlier last week.
Following the recent decision on the plans for the future of Acute Hospital Services in Worcestershire, this is part of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust’s cross-county service for Women and Children.
Women living in Redditch, Bromsgrove and surrounding areas may not be able to give birth at the Alex, but can access a comprehensive antenatal service right up to the delivery of their baby.
Lisa Gardner, midwife and antenatal clinic manager, said: “The service includes an Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit caring for women from six weeks pregnant and a Maternity Day Assessment Unit for women that need specialist blood tests and monitoring of their babies.”
The team work with colleagues from the community midwifery team, who are also based at the Alexandra Hospital.
The service means expectant mums have a single point of care from as early as six weeks pregnant, from first blood tests to first scans all the way up to the point of delivery.
“This is an exciting time in the development of the Alexandra Hospital, the service will bring a much needed increase in capacity to our women’s and children’s services across the county, as well as improvements in our facilities at the Alexandra Hospital,” said Lisa.
“We hope to offer parents more support, more specialised clinics, drop in sessions and start to impact our aim of achieving better births for all women in Worcestershire.”
The new dedicated antenatal clinic area has five clinic rooms, a dedicated blood checking room and an additional quiet waiting room available for use by patients awaiting early pregnancy scans or when greater privacy is required during an appointment.
Nicola Garey, local patient, said: “It’s so lovely to come to the new clinic area, Lisa and her team are so reassuring. I know I can pick up the phone and ask any question. My baby is due in about seven weeks and I will be travelling to Worcestershire Royal for the delivery.”
