Double Celebrations At Maternity Unit

20 May 2010, 11:13 | Updated: 20 May 2010, 11:18

Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust had double reason to celebrate last week as just two hours before the official opening of the Portsmouth Maternity Centre took place, the centre's 100th baby was born.

Ivy Belle Crabb was born at 12.25pm on Friday 14 May weighing 8lbs 6oz much to the joy of parents Laura Claffey and Brett Crabb.

Laura, 25, of North End, said: "The new centre is really good; it's quiet and really nice. The staff were excellent too - they made it a pleasant experience. Ivy is doing really well and I am really pleased I got to give birth in the new centre."

Portsmouth Maternity Centre, at St Mary's Hospital in Milton, opened on 4 January and offers expectant mothers a relaxed atmosphere in which to give birth.

Staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week by midwives and health care support workers, the centre has two birthing rooms and four postnatal beds as well as providing antenatal and postnatal services It is part of the six Choice of place of Birth currently offered by Portsmouth Hospitals Maternity Services.

The centre was officially opened by Liz Stephens, General Secretary of the Royal College of Midwives, at a special ceremony on Friday.

Jayne Jempson, Acting Head of Midwifery, said: "We are delighted to officially open Portsmouth Maternity Centre with the help of Liz Stephens and the event was made even more special with the fantastic arrival of baby Ivy.

"We hope the women of Portsmouth will continue to use the centre for natural births and ensure a successful future for the facility."