11:25am Wednesday 1st September 2010
By Neil Docking
THIS is the first look at the new Blackburn Birthing Centre, which will replace hospital services in the area for “low-risk” deliveries.
Light, luxurious and welcoming, the Park Lee Road facility will be the first of its kind in East Lancashire when it is officially opened tomorrow.
About £900,000 has been spent converting the former Woodlea mental health unit as part of a programme designed to offer more choice and stress-free pregnancies for the region’s mothers-to-be.
And ahead of its launch, the Lancashire Telegraph was invited for an exclusive sneak preview of the centre.
It is for women having “low-risk” births, where problems are not anticipated, but still with professional support and hi-tech equipment on hand.
Caroline Broome, lead midwife at the centre, said: “The building is gorgeous.
"It’s going to be just a fantastic facility for East Lancashire.
"I think we should be really proud.”
The centre, which has full disabled access, boasts four hotel-style rooms and access to picturesque private gardens.
It will be staffed by two midwives initially, plus medical and clerical support.
Caroline, who has 25 years experience as a midwife, said: “We’ve got birthing pools in three of the rooms, which women can use if they want to.
"Lots of women find water, either in labour or for birth itself, very beneficial.”
The centre also features a consulting room for ante-natal checks and a large four-bed bay for mums who wish to stay longer to rest, recuperate and receive support and mix with new friends.
The new £32million Lancashire Women and Newborn Centre, based within the Phase V development at Burnley General Hospital, will also feature a birthing complex when it opens in November.
That centre will handle all East Lancashire's “complex births”.
From November, women will no longer be able to give birth at the Royal Blackburn Hospital.
A third centre will then be opened at the new Rossendale Primary Health Centre, Bacup Road, Rawtenstall.
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