Birth Centre opening at the Whittington
Mrs Marie Grant, director of maternity services improvement programme at NHS London, officially opened the birth centre at The Whittington Hospital NHS Trust on Tuesday 22 September 2009.
After being officially welcomed to the Whittington by chairman Joe Liddane - Marie, who until 2000 was director of nursing at the Whittington, praised the maternity staff at the hospital for the excellent maternity care they provide. She also commended the Whittington maternity services for successfully meeting the recommendations of the Healthcare Commission action plan.
Talking of her time working at Whittington "The nine years I spent here as director of women's services and then director of nursing were the best and happiest of my career" she said.
The guests were impressed with the new facilities and commented on the lovely design and friendly atmosphere.The birth centre has five large birthing rooms equipped with birthing pools, balls, support slings, double beds, en-suite facilities, and lighting to create a calm ambience for labouring women.
Among many present at the grand opening were several governors of the trust, Catherine Goldwater, chair of maternity services liaison committee of Camden and Islington, Angela Helleur, LSA midwifery officer, Olive Jones, supervisor of midwives and Ogo Okoye, Islington commissioner together with a number of mothers and their babies who had recently delivered in the new unit.