Walsall’s Midwifery-Led Unit (MLU) will re-open for births next Monday 5 October 2020.

The unit on Charles Street – which is the Black Country’s only freestanding MLU – had to suspend births during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Carla Jones-Charles, interim Director of Midwifery, Gynaecology and Sexual Health at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “We are so pleased to be able to offer Walsall mums-to-be greater birth choices with the re-opening of our MLU for low risk women.

“We have been working hard across our teams in maternity services to be able to re-open the MLU for births as soon as it is safe to do so

“We want to offer greater options for birth as detailed in the Better Births recommendations. Research shows that low risk women are more likely to have better outcomes if they receive care within an MLU and are less likely to need intervention.

“The health and wellbeing of our women and their babies is our priority which is why we had to temporarily suspend births at the unit during the height of the pandemic. We look forward to welcoming women back and want to reassure them that Infection Prevention and Control measures will ensure a safe environment at our MLU.”

Women will need to speak to their community midwife at their 36 week appointment about birthing on the MLU.  Midwives, or women can also ring the MLU directly for advice by calling 01922 721172 extension 5422.

Maternity Services received a rating of “Good” from the Care Quality Commission in 2019 and 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. Risk assessments will be completed on all transfers to ensure that we continue to keep both mums and babies safe.