The Meadow Birth Centre at Worcestershire Royal Hospital has been awarded the title of national Birth Centre of the Year at the MaMa Awards 2017.
The centre - which is run by experienced midwives rather than doctors – picked up the prize at an awards evening in Ayr, Scotland.
The annual MaMa Awards, recognise outstanding health care environments or midwifery staff, in 10 different categories through entries from across the UK each year.
The Meadow Birth Centre gives women more choice over where their baby is born and offers a comfortable environment where birth is treated as a ‘normal’ process rather than a medical one. The four self-contained rooms have seen over 1,500 babies born since opening to expectant mums in April 2015.
The centre has three purpose built birthing pools, and has seen over three quarters of its babies have a water birth, with mothers from across the county and beyond.
Meadow Birth Centre midwife team leader, Louise Turbutt said: “We’re so proud of what we’ve achieved so far and winning this award is very special for all of the team on the unit. It’s a testament to the whole team and how hard everyone has worked to give mothers to have the best possible birth experience they can in a relaxing and homely environment.
Michelle McKay, chief executive of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “I am delighted that the Meadow Birth Centre has received this recognition as Birth Centre of the Year.
“The award is a credit to the staff who work on the unit for providing so many positive experiences to women and families at such an important and memorable time.”
