A NEW birth centre described as a "home away from home" has been officially opened at Salisbury District Hospital.

The Beatrice Birth Centre at the hospital's maternity unit is run by midwives and offers an alternative to the traditional labour ward or home birth.

A special ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Friday (October 28) at the centre, which is set to receive its first mothers on Monday.

Facilities include a birthing pool, comfortable birthing aids such as balls and mats, and aromatherapy.

There are also screens to connect to devices via Bluetooth or USBs and adjustable lighting.

The entrance has also been improved and a garden provided for mothers and visitors.

Hannah Boyd, the women and newborn divisional director of operations, who has been involved with the project, said it had been a "long time coming" and added: "It has been a complete privilege and honour to be involved in this centre coming to life from the plans to being here.”

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Picture by Harley Shearstone 

She was also grateful that women and their families now had the opportunity to experience the new space, which would provide a third birthing option for women where they could experience an environment that was like a "home from home" with the added security of being close to the labour ward.

Director of maternity and neonatal services Joanne Hayward said: “Our new Beatrice Birth Centre really has been a labour of love. This midwife-led centre improves our offer to pregnant women in our community as they contemplate their birth plans. The superb facilities provide a wonderful, caring and safe place for women to choose to have their baby.”

The Beatrice Birth Centre, along with a new entrance and reception, and courtyard garden have been made possible thanks to funding from the Local Maternity and Neonatal System and £260,000 of funding from the Stars Appeal, the hospital’s charity.

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Margaret Smith, Joan Joyce and Jean Finniss, who left gifts to the Stars Appeal in their wills helped to pay for the new facilities, and have been recognised on a plaque within the centre alongside other Stars Appeal donors.

John Finniss, the husband of Jean, who fostered more than 50 children over a number of years, cut the ribbon alongside Eiri Jones, Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust non-executive director, at the opening.

He said: "It looks incredible."

Mr Finniss was said he was "overwhelmed" to see his wife honoured on the centre plaque.

Dave Cates, of the Stars Appeal, said: “We are incredibly proud of this wonderful Birthing Centre that, along with the new entrance and garden, will help thousands of local families welcome babies over the years to come. None of this would be possible without our supporters and we are so grateful to Miss Smith, Mrs Joyce, Mrs Finniss for their exceptional generosity and to everyone who has contributed towards this project.”