Women can give birth at home again thanks to service at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital at King’s Lynn

Catherine Morgan of Queen Elizxabeth Hospital at King's Lynn (Image: Archant)

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital has reinstated the home birth service which will be offered from February 2017 to women with low risk pregnancies.

The service was suspended in September 2013 due to staffing challenges, which have subsequently been resolved, following a concerted effort by the Trust.

Catherine Morgan, director of nursing, said: “We are pleased to be offering the option of a home birth to women who are having low risk pregnancies from next year.

“Our aim has always been to meet the needs of expectant mothers by providing as much choice as possible but our top priority has to be safety.

“The Trust has already made great strides in its long-term plans for maternity and achieved the first phase last year with the opening of The Waterlily Birth Centre.

“This midwife led unit with its birthing pools and homely environment has proved to be very popular with families.

“The Trust is committed to providing a safe and sustainable service for expectant mothers and their babies.”

The introduction of a Midwife-Led Pathway, which follows women on their journey from antenatal to postnatal care, is another long-term vision of the Trust.

Lesley Deacon, divisional head of women and children services, said: “The new pathway supports midwives following women through their journey rather than women accessing services.

“The pathway will increase choice for women and improve the continuity of carer, which we know is a hugely beneficial to both women and midwives.

“I am very passionate about women’s choice and really excited with this new model of care.”