Pregnant women who want to give birth at Walsall Manor Hospital are being urged to book early with their GP or community midwife.

Restrictions were released in April this year and Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust is maintaining its overall birth cap level of 4,200 each year.  The trust has been accepting bookings from all GP practices for any pregnant women who wish to give birth at Walsall Manor Hospital, offering them a greater choice.

The move followed an improved CQC rating last year and the ongoing efforts of staff and senior leaders to ensure the safety and stability of Walsall Healthcare’s Maternity Services.

Women who are already booked to deliver at another trust who would like to birth at the Manor Hospital can also request a transfer. This had previously been restricted.

Divisional Director of Midwifery, Gynaecology and Sexual Health Nicola Wenlock said: “We were really pleased to be able to offer pregnant women a greater choice of where they would like to give birth and have been seeing many transfers for Walsall Manor Hospital – so much so that we’re fully booked for September for example.

“We are closely monitoring and reviewing the number of births here to maintain the cap at 4,200 and ensure the provision of safe, high quality care.”

Clinical Director Mr Fateh Ghazal added: “As part of our regular review and monitoring we can see that we have no capacity in September but there are still some opportunities for women to transfer their care here who are due to give birth in June, July and August. I would encourage pregnant women who do want to give birth here to ensure they book early with their GP or Community Midwife so that we can support their choice.”

For more information please contact Antenatal Clinic Manager Donna Perkins on 01922 721172 extension 7578.