We’ve made many Maternity Services improvements over the years and have recently been rated Good by the CQC so former midwife Vera Corbett was delighted to come and see these changes for herself at a recent event.

Vera, aged 84, worked for what is now Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust back in 1980 and in true “Call the Midwife” style used to get out and about in the community on her push bike.

“I worked in the community as a midwife and I loved it,” she explained when she visited a Maternity Showcase at Walsall Manor Hospital earlier this month.

“I initiated offering reflexology during my career and I am so pleased to see that it is available to women who use maternity services in Walsall now. I found it could be really calming for some women who were anxious or in a bit of a state.

“Coming to the showcase event was lovely as I met so many people and it was really interesting to hear about all the teams that are in Walsall now to support women. And I enjoyed having a bit of reflexology myself too!”

The event highlighted the features that make Walsall Healthcare proud of its Maternity Services:

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 means 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