17 August 2011
A new maternity assessment unit, where women can get advice and treatment if they are suffering from complications during their pregnancy, was officially opened at Epsom Hospital recently.
A crowd of VIPs and staff gathered to watch as the plaque was unveiled at the new unit, which offers expectant parents a short notice, same-day service should they have any concerns or need support.
Local people can refer themselves to the unit, be referred by their GP, or simply call one of our dedicated midwives for help and advice. This also allows our existing delivery unit and antenatal department (where pregnant women come for routine health checks and scans) to concentrate on providing the best possible care to patients.
And it's already proving to be a vital service for local women and their families, as the unit has seen more than 1,800 mums-to-be since it opened its doors in September last year.
Speaking at the opening, Head of Midwifery for the Trust, Sally Sivas said: "We are absolutely thrilled to officially open the new assessment unit. It is a fantastic service for local women and their families, and we are truly proud to be able to offer it.
"Being pregnant is an exciting time, but it can be unsettling and worrying too. The unit is on hand to offer expert support and advice to women throughout their pregnancy and to help reassure mums-to-be if they have concerns or questions."
The unit, which is funded and run by the Trust, has also benefited from the hard work of volunteers from the Friends of Epsom Hospital, who have donated more than £20,000 equipment.
Sally added: "I would like to say a huge thank you to the Friends of Epsom Hospital and all of their supporters, as well as the staff who have made this all possible."
Lead midwife for inpatients, Nicola Shepherd added: "This is something that we have worked hard to achieve, and we are over the moon that is proving to be a well-used and popular service.
"The unit means that concerned parents can get reassurance and advice quickly, and that our midwives on the labour ward can give their undivided attention to women who are giving birth. It truly is a fantastic asset."
The generous donation from the Friends funded two state-of-the-art baby monitors worth £8,000 each, an examination couch and two reclining chairs, so that partners and families can stay by the expectant mum's side in comfort.
New mum Rachel Stile was also at the event, having just welcomed her newborn son Edward to the world three days previously. Because Rachel experienced complications during her pregnancy with her daughter Lucy, she used the new assessment unit a number of times during her recent pregnancy. She said: "It was so reassuring to know that if I was having any problems, I could come here and be seen really quickly. I think it's a brilliant service, and I'm really pleased it's here. I've had a really good experience."
Also at the event were local public relations company Bespoke, who donated £1,500 to the cause. Nancy Goodacre, director at The Bespoke Agency, said, "We wanted to recognise the valuable work that the Friends of Epsom Hospitals do to support our local NHS and felt that they would make very effective use of the funds. Many people in the area will have benefitted directly or indirectly from their work and it is our way of saying thank you for the energy and free time they give in order to make a difference to patients' wellbeing."
The maternity assessment unit advice and appointment line is open from 8.30am to 7.00pm, Monday to Friday on 01372 735 264.
