Mums-to-be are being reminded of all the maternity services being offered in Walsall as staff celebrate an improved CQC rating of “Good.”
Pregnant women registered with all GP practices, regardless of address, are now able to give birth at Walsall Manor Hospital if they choose.
Walsall Maternity Services are also now accepting transfer bookings for any pregnant women who wish to give birth at Walsall Manor Hospital who are currently booked elsewhere.
The Midwifery-Led Unit in Charles Street – the Black Country’s only freestanding unit – is also due to reopen for births this autumn as well as continuing to house a host of supportive antenatal, postnatal and perinatal mental health clinics.
In its latest inspection report the CQC said: “The service had a vision for what it wanted to achieve and workable plans to turn it into action developed with involvement from staff, patients, and key groups representing the local community.
“Managers across the service promoted a positive culture that supported and valued staff, creating a sense of common purpose based on shared values Staff of different kinds worked together as a team to benefit patients. Consultants, midwives and other healthcare professionals supported each other to provide good care.”
Nicola Wenlock, Divisional Director of Midwifery, Gynaecology and Sexual Health for Walsall Healthcare, said: “Our maternity department has gone from a CQC rating of inadequate to GOOD in 21 months!
“This is down to the efforts of our fantastic staff who are proud to work in this trust and offer women support throughout pregnancy, labour and birth. We are celebrating our improvements, which include our brand new neonatal unit and Maternity Theatre, and looking forward to welcoming more women back to Walsall. But don’t take our word for it – listen to what women say about us!”
Allison Nickless, who had her son Kit in Walsall said staff were “Kind, caring, compassionate, understanding and always willing to listen to you as an individual.”
While Emma Jones, who gave birth to daughter Charlotte at the Manor Hospital said: “Antenatal and delivery staff were kind, friendly and approachable.”
Jenna King used reflexology services at the MLU. She said: “It was lovely. I didn’t expect them to offer that service.”
The trust has compiled a top ten list of features that Walsall offers:
An excellent midwife to birth ratio– giving you 1-1 care during labour
Continuity of Carer – you’ll see the same small team of midwives during pregnancy and after birth
Complementary Therapy – Reflexology and Aromatherapy (free) plus Hypnobirthing (at a small fee)
Birthing pools – offering you more birth choices
Freestanding Midwifery-Led Unit – the only one of its kind in the Black Country
Early Bird Clinic – this mean women can book directly and very early.
Home birth service provided – our Community Midwives will help you all the way
Brand new £5.6m Neonatal Unit – with a purpose-built Intensive Therapy Unit and High Dependency Unit.
Team of Specialist Midwives – for women who need extra support, including breastfeeding
Health in Pregnancy Service – practical parenting help and advice