Mothers-to-be Will Have Dedicated Midwives at the Royal Surrey

Published on: 2 May, 2019
Updated on: 4 May, 2019

Royal Surrey County Hospital midwives

A small team of midwives who will support women through their entire pregnancy has been started at Royal Surrey County Hospital. That means mothers-to-be will soon have their babies delivered by midwives they know and trust.

The team will also offer antenatal appointments closer to home and be on hand to assist new parents after they take their new arrival home from hospital.

Jacqui Tingle, deputy director of midwifery, said: “There are few moments more special than welcoming a child into the world and the Surrey Meadows Team will be by the side of expectant and new parents every step of the way. Women will be supported by one or two midwives who will get to know not just them, but their families and babies as well.

“The research has shown that if women are comfortable and trust their midwife it can transform the experience of pregnancy, birth and beyond for the better.”

Royal Surrey’s Maternity Service welcomes almost 3,000 babies into the world each year and was rated “Outstanding” by the Care Quality Commission. The Trust is also the only hospital in Surrey to have received the UNICEF Baby Friendly Ward Gold Standard.

The launch of the Surrey Meadows Team is a response to a nationwide Government review that highlighted the importance of continuity of care for maternity services. The research found women who see the same midwife or midwives are able to build up a trusting relationship.

It is hoped that the 10-strong Surrey Meadows team will support about 250 women with low-risk pregnancies or who have previously had a caesarean section. The midwives who will split their time between the community and Royal Surrey’s newly refurbished Midwife Led Birth Suite.

Expectant mothers will primarily see the same one or two midwives, but will be invited to get to know the entire team during monthly forums.