A NEW labour ward has welcomed its first babies after an extensive six-month refurbishment.

Leighton Hospital now has a new purpose-built midwife-led unit attached to the main labour ward to provide care for low-risk pregnancies.

It also has a high dependency area for women who need more specialised care during labour.

The midwife-led unit was developed in the light of research that suggested women who deliver in midwifery-led care settings experience fewer medical interventions and complications than in a medically-led service.

Facilities in the new unit include a birthing pool in each of the rooms and ambient lighting to create a calm and relaxing environment.

It welcomed its first new arrival, Noah Webb, at 5.41pm on October 3 and parents Katie and Martin Webb were impressed with the new facilities.

Katie said: “We’ve had a really good experience during our time here. Not only are the facilities great, but the midwives were supportive and fantastic for both of us.”

Little Izabella Thorley was the first baby born in the new high dependency unit, at 8.37pm on October 3.

Mum Kristie Vernon, who was supported by her partner Simon Thorley, said: “We were really happy with everything.

“The staff were brilliant, and we couldn’t fault them at all.”

Andy Langley, matron for Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s (MCHFT) maternity unit, said: “In this rebuild, we have focussed not only on providing the highest possible quality and safety of patient care, but also on the choice and comfort available to all our patients.

“All our labour rooms are now fitted with en-suite facilities, with some rooms now also leading out into a private patio area.

“Additionally, we have increased the number of birthing pools from one to three, and added a new reception room as well as new induction and triage areas.”

Pam Cornwall, head of midwifery at MCHFT, said: “The new area looks great, and I’m confident that the upgraded facilities will create a much improved experience for our patients.”