A ceremony to mark the official opening of Cossham Birth Centre took place this afternoon.
The local area’s first midwife-led birth centre at the Kingswood hospital opened its doors in January 2013 and since then almost 800 babies have been born there.
The unit has four birth rooms with double beds, birthing pools and en-suite bathroom facilities.
“It’s not just the lovely environment which makes this place so great it’s the warmth and professionalism of the staff here.
“This is a safe place to give birth and clearly gives a positive experience with professional support.”
Ann Remmers, Director of Midwifery at North Bristol NHS Trust, said: “We’ve all been on an amazing journey and it’s great to be here today to see the unit officially opened by Lesley Page.
“We’ve had overwhelmingly positive feedback from the women who have given birth here and we are already beginning to see the same women returning to give birth here again.”
Mum Charelle Ferguson from Lockleaze was invited to the ceremony with her son Lamoy who is eight months old and was born at Cossham in February 2014.
She said: “It’s such a nice relaxing place. The midwives were kind and there’s so much space in the rooms. I have already decided that I will be coming back next year when I give birth again.”
For more information about Cossham Birth Centre visit the website at www.nbt.nhs.uk/maternity-services/labour-birth/cossham-birth-centre where you can watch a short video which showcases the unit.