First babies due to be born at new Hartlepool hospital suite

Midwives at the Rowan Suite at the University Hospital of Hartlepool began taking bookings at the start of September for women considered to be low risk.

The first births are now expected at the end of February.

Based on the ground floor within the hospital’s Maternity Hub, the Rowan Suite includes a birthing pool and an active birthing room as well as private en suite delivery rooms.

It is part of an action plan by hospital managers at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust to improve maternity services in the town and follows ongoing concerns from politicians and residents about the large fall in the number of Hartlepool births in recent years.

Head of Midwifery for the Trust, Stephanie El- Malak said: “We’ve put so much into getting this facility up and running, as we know it is what the people of Hartlepool want.

"It is a beautiful relaxing environment to have a baby and I think the women will have a very special experience here as they see their baby for the first time.

“We can’t wait to meet the first babies born at the Rowan Suite!"

The number of bookings equates to half of the eligible low risk women of Hartlepool choosing to book with the team.

It consists of six midwives who will care for women throughout all stages of their pregnancy.

In order to give birth at the Rowan Suite, there is a support plan to keep mum and baby safe, which is discussed with each woman as she books for her maternity care with the midwifery service.

The new rooms have been created to have a ‘home away from home’ atmosphere and designed to help women to stay upright and active during their birth.

The Rowan team will also provide ante-natal and post-natal care, as well as co-ordinating births and care in the suite.

Women who come under the low risk category include those of a healthy weight, without medical conditions such as diabetes, being pregnant with a single baby, being a non smoker and not having had complications during previous pregnancies or births.

A video of the Rowan suite can be viewed on the Trust’s YouTube page.

Support your Mail and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on Pools and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.