South London Healthcare NHS Trust is proud to announce the official opening of its Oasis Birthing Centre at the Princess Royal Bromley on Tuesday 24 May 2011. The opening was attended by both the President of the Royal College of Midwives Ms Liz Stephens, and President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Dr Anthony Dale Falconer. Many mothers with their new babies who were born at the unit also attended the event.
Staff especially looked forward to showing the eminent guests around the state of the art midwifery led birthing centre. It has proved such a hit with local women more than 400 babies have been born there since opening on the 8 December 2010. With the increasing use of this unit, and with almost half the babies being born in water, it is clearly providing an increasingly popular birthing choice for women.
The Oasis Birthing Centre is equipped and furnished to the highest standards with five beautiful and comfortable birthing rooms, two with pools, providing a calm and relaxed home from home environment for mums who choose a more natural birthing option – most ideal for those who have experienced normal pregnancy and are in normal labour.
To commemorate the opening day and all the new arrivals, the midwives are creating a "Tree of Life" on which to display pictures of the babies born there.
Donna Ockenden, Chief Midwife says "We are delighted with the success of the unit. Not only are our midwives able to support more women with their choice for birth, they are extremely proud of the positive and heartwarming feedback from women and their families who have used the unit."
George Jenkins, Trust Chairman says "I am honoured and delighted to welcome the two Royal College Presidents to our Trust today and for them to see the enthusiasm and dedication of our staff. Congratulations to everyone involved in the success of the Oasis Birthing Centre."
Anyone who would like to consider giving birth at the Oasis Birthing Centre, please either speak to your community midwife, or telephone Alison Eagle, Midwifery Manager 01689 864831 or the Oasis Unit 01689 864750.
Following our incredibly successful recruitment drive over the past 12 months, we have appointed 62 new midwives, and 29 support staff.
