MUMS-TO-BE will now be able to receive improved and fully-integrated maternity care, in a first for NHS trusts in the area thanks to the launch of two new maternity hubs for women local to Farnham and Cranleigh.

“We are very excited to launch our new hubs – they will be a fantastic resource for the women and babies of Surrey,” said Amy Stubbs, deputy director of midwifery for Royal Surrey.

Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust is leading the way in implementing a fully evidence-based ‘continuity of carer’ approach to maternity services that improves health outcomes by providing a patient with a small group of the same midwives and clinicians they can get to know and trust.

The new hubs will provide women with ante-natal and post-natal support, with one of the local maternity team being present for their birth.

This integrated approach to care will mean the women will already know their midwife before giving birth. This facilitates greater positive birth experiences and improves the health wellbeing of mother and child.

The hub in Farnham will be midwifery led, while the Cranleigh hub will be supported by midwives, obstetricians and consultant paediatricians.

Amy continued: “We hope this new integrated service and environment will give local women the added confidence and peace of mind in a time that can be very scary and anxious for them.”

Jo Mountjoy, chief nurse for the trust, recently visited the Cranleigh hub and commented: “This is absolutely brilliant for local mothers and will make a huge difference to how supported they feel during their pregnancy, birth and postnatally.

“We have seen how continuity of carer can mean fewer interventions and fewer preterm births and it is just lovely to be able to provide this holistic care to women in the community.

“We would also like to say thank you to the Cranleigh League of Friends who donated the funds for the refurbishment and equipment at the Cranleigh Hub, it is greatly appreciated.”

Women who would like to enquire about registering at either hub should go to the Royal Surrey Maternity website www.royalsurrey.nhs.uk/maternity and complete a referral form.