Expectant mothers from Hartlepool, east Durham and Billingham can soon have their babies in a £500,000 centre.



Six months of refurbishment have ended, and the Mail has been given an exclusive preview of the facilities at the University Hospital of Hartlepool.

Women with low-risk pregnancies will have their babies there while a day assessment unit will be open to all mothers with queries about their pregnancy.

Higher risk pregnancies will still have to go to the University Hospital of North Tees, in Stockton, for delivery.

Helping births go smoother>>

Midwives had a big say in the design of the new birthing centre which tries to create a relaxed, home-from-home atmosphere.

There are wooden floors and furniture, a small kitchen-like facility for drinks and snacks, four spacious delivery rooms, a one-bed room and a three-bed room.

Most equipment is hidden from view by carefully positioned cupboards. Artwork by Cleveland College of Art and Design students will soon adorn the walls.

The delivery rooms are full of birthing equipment such as mats and balls, and there is a new pool room with a large bath for those wanting an alternative birth.

Birthing centre manager Judith Stout said: "We want to make each mothers' special moment as great an experience as possible.

"We have tried to create a home-from-home environment with a relaxed atmosphere and lots of different options for expectant mothers while encouraging partners to get involved.

"We have a highly trained team of midwives and maternity care assistants that just can't wait to get going."

The centre will accept its first mums-to-be from 8am on Thursday, June 26, with expectant mothers being asked to speak to their community midwife if they want to use the centre.

"We just can't wait for the first baby now. It will be very special," added Mrs Stout.

That baby will be the first of many as the hospital expects 200 to be born in Hartlepool this year followed by 300 next year and 400 the year after that.

An open day for anyone who wants to look around the new centre is being held on Wednesday, June 25, from 2pm to 8pm.