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Prize winners in Hemel Hempstead

The 500th baby was born at the Hemel Birth Centre yesterday, while we were workshopping away in another part of the hospital. The unit has only been open for around 18 months, and has proven very popular - the number of women choosing it has exceeded expectations.

The midwives had organised a raffle to be drawn when this milestone was reached, so yesterday, after we finished the program, I was invited to draw the winning ticket. There were 16 prizes in all, so I took turns with Caroline Duncombe (on the left) and Nicky Wilkins (on the right) to choose the winners. The photo was taken by Jenni Farrell, the workshop organiser.

This Birth Centre is a lovely unit - as a stand alone centre it is 20 minutes from the nearest referral centre and the autonomy of practice that it offers midwives is excellent. They have a “snoozle room” too - a lovely dark room, with soft beanbags, a mattress and floor cushions, lava lamps, other mood lighting and peaceful music. Anyone in the unit is able to use it, to chill out, relax, recover or rest. Women often use it in early labour and midwives can also take time out to restore energy after a busy shift. There have been a few babies born there as well - it is a very comfy and inviting intimate space.

The statistics for the first year of operation of the Unit are being compiled now, and I have encouraged them to publish them in an appropriate midwifery journal. Successes such as these need publicity, so that others can learn how it can be done, and to strengthen the case for more of these kinds of services.

It was a terrific weekend, and a pleasure to be among a group of dedicated and enthusiastic midwives. This afternoon I am off to Nottingham for another in an ongoing series of programs fot the midwives in that area.

Posted by andrea at June 14, 2004 09:44 PM

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