WORK is underway to create a new centre in Worcester where new mothers will be able to give birth in a comfortable and welcoming environment.

Builders began work on the Meadow Birth Centre – a midwife-led facility at Worcestershire Royal Hospital – in December, with the site due to open later this year.

A former antenatal ward and maternity triage area near the hospital’s current delivery suite is being converted into four birthing rooms – which have been named Poppy, Cornflower, Daisy and Violet by staff and patient representatives – while the kitchen and family area is being fitted out, plumbing for the birth pools is being installed and new air handling units were delivered by crane last week.

The hospital’s matron for midwifery Rachel Carter said: “Work is progressing at quite a pace and we are busy behind the scenes ensuring that the new team of midwives and maternity support workers who will work in the centre are fully trained, and finalising new policies and procedures.

“Everyone is really excited to be welcoming the first mums-to-be in the next few weeks in to what will be a fabulous environment.”

The centre will be run by experienced midwives, supported by maternity support staff, and will be used for women who have had no complications or medical problems during their pregnancy.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust – which runs the Royal along with Kidderminster Hospital and Redditch’s Alexandra Hospital – is currently fundraising to pay for furniture, kitchen appliances, mood lighting, music docking stations and other items at the centre.

For more information call 01905 760 551, visit www.justgiving.com/MeadowBirthCentre or email fundraising@worcsacute.nhs.uk.