Downpatrick maternity unit’s open evening

Downpatrick maternity unit’s open evening

16 May 2012

THE Downpatrick maternity unit is holding an open night tomorrow evening.

The event — which runs from 6pm until 9pm — is aimed at women thinking of having a baby and those who have just discovered they are pregnant.

In addition to women, midwives at the unit housed within the Downe Hospital want

partners and family relatives to come along as well. And mothers who have had their

babies at the Downpatrick unit will also be attending the open night to speak with would-be mums.

Last month saw 16 babies born at the local unit which is the highest recorded number in any month since the facility opened, providing staff with a major boost.

The midwives provide one-to-care and say the open night is about showing what they and the unit are all about.

The local facility caters for mums deemed to be in the low risk category, but also provide ante-natal services for women classed as high risk who will have their babies in one of the Belfast area hospitals were consultant cover is available. After giving birth

these particular women can have their postnatal care delivered locally.

South Down MP Margaret Ritchie is encouraging expectant mums and women considering having a baby to attend the open night.

She said the continued success of the midwife-led unit in Downpatrick is a credit to the staff and mothers who have availed of the service since it opened in March 2010.

The MP continued: “The service at the Downe Hospital offers one-to-one care in labour and pre and antenatal care from local midwifes.

“While the local service is not be available to all expecting mothers, it’s important the community does everything possible to encourage local mothers and GPs to promote the unit and ensure it can be held as a leading example in midwife-led care.”

Miss Ritchie said the open evening is part of the promotional activity being undertaken by the South Eastern Trust and is encouraging mothers with any queries to call the local midwife team on (028) 4461995 or call at the unit to discuss the service and their care requirements.

Also during tomorrow’s open night, a number of stalls will be manned by staff from a range of professional and voluntary agencies who work closely with the Downpatrick midwives.