Local MP welcomes Stepping Hill Maternity Makeover

Stockport's Stepping Hill has been awarded over £450,000 of Government money to give its Maternity Unit a full makeover, it was announced today.

Local MP Andrew Stunell is delighted that the Coalition Government has recognised what a brilliant job our Maternity Unit does, and is investing in it.

Commenting, Andrew said -

"The care has always been first class, but the building is 50 years old, so it is great that it is getting freshened up for the next generation of Stockport's babies and mums."

The ward will be fully refurbished, modern bathrooms will be put in place, the option will be made available for partners to stay overnight, and a comforting family room will be set up for families dealing with difficult situations.

In November, the Government opened the £25 million fund to applications from all hospitals across the country. Over 100 hospitals were successful in gaining money to fund their Maternity Unit makeover, Stepping Hill being one of them. The improvements will include new birthing pools, new midwife-led units, more en-suite facilities, additional beds to allow partners to stay over where necessary and better bereavement spaces.

Health Minister Dr Dan Poulter said:

"A new arrival in the family is a joyous time but it can present a real challenge for mums and families, particularly those experiencing it for the first time. We are now going to see huge improvements to maternity services right across the country - from birthing pools to family rooms and even new midwifery-led units. These will make a big difference to the experience mums and families have of NHS maternity services, with more choice and a better environment where women can give birth."

ENDS