Hospital trust launches dedicated home birth team

A team of midwives will provide care to women in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, and Mid Wales

A dedicated home birth service has been launched by a Shropshire NHS trust.

Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) announced that a team of seven midwives will provide 24-hour care to women and their families in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, and Mid Wales who choose to give birth at home.

Those who opt to use the service will have a named midwife who will provide their antenatal and postnatal care.

Tasha Simmons from SaTh said although the trust already offered home births, the dedicated team meant "greater personalised care" could be provided.

"Families will get to know our team throughout pregnancy, and their experience will centre on collaborative decision-making and on birth preferences being safely supported."

The trust said two midwives, including at least one from the new team wherever possible, would attend during labour.

Paula Gardener, interim chief nursing officer, added: "Having a dedicated team of midwives ready to support the birth preferences of families in our communities means continuity of care and an opportunity for strong and trusting relationships to be forged".