NEW mums are officially in safe hands at the Wyre Forest Birth Centre.
Maternity services in Kidderminster, the Alexandra in Redditch and the Worcestershire Royal Hospital are among the first in the country to get official recognition after a tough new inspection.
The Clinical Negligence Scheme for Trusts Level 1 standard was reached after a visit by inspectors in April to assess standards of patient safety and care.
"This achievement is a tribute to all the staff in our maternity units," said senior midwife Elaine Newell. "The demanding nature of the assessment is reflected by the number of trusts which have failed to reach the required standard."
A Worcestershire Acute Hospital NHS Trust spokesman said the Wyre Forest centre was a low-tech and low-intervention unit led by midwives, which averaged about 250 new babies a year.
More difficult cases go to Redditch or Worcester but the emphasis in Kidderminster is on relaxed surroundings.
The new birthing pool at the centre is already proving popular, he said.
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