Record baby boom for Epsom and St Helier (From Epsom Guardian)

Record baby boom for Epsom and St Helier

9:10am Saturday 28th April 2012 in News By Lauren May, Chief Reporter

A record number of babies were born at Epsom and St Helier Hospitals this year with 15 births every day.

In total 5,312 babies were born at both hospitals, a six percent increase from 5002 in 2008/9.

Sally Sivas, head of midwifery, said: “Our two maternity units delivered more babies than ever before last year, with 15 births happening every day of every week of every month. “This is great news for the trust and proves we are more popular than ever.

She added: “We have invested significantly in improving our maternity units over recent years and have recruited more than 50 additional midwives. This means there’s more midwives to every mum, helping our patients to build a strong relationship with the team that will be there for them on their big day.”

Sarah Vaughan, a midwife for the trust who gave birth to her son Ronnie two years ago said: “We strive to give all parents-to-be the very best of care and that’s certainly what I experienced. “Quite frankly, I wouldn’t work here if I didn’t think we were the best maternity unit in the region.”

The national safety rating at both maternity wards was also increased this year by the Clinical Negligence Scheme for Trusts (CNST) who awarded both Epsom and St Helier from a level one to two standard – three being the highest.

The award means the trust will receive a 20 per cent reduction to annual insurance premiums, which currently run at £893,000 per year.