CMU first for Northern Ireland
May 14, 2008
Following a long campaign by women and midwives, Northern Ireland's Health Minister has announced that the new Downe Hospital will include the province's first community maternity unit.
The unit will be similar to those in Montrose and Arbroath in that it will provide women with antenatal and postnatal services and the option of a local birth attended by midwives. The business case for the unit has been approved by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety and it is expected to open in Autumn 2009.
During a visit to the site of the new hospital, Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said, "The midwifery-led home-from-home birthing rooms will enhance the options available to pregnant women, allowing them to give birth in a safe environment." He added that the move "demonstrates my commitment to providing responsive, accessible and high quality health and social care services across Northern Ireland."
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