Shropshire's baby unit staff born to do it

The crowd of medical professionals gathered in reception of Shropshire's women and children's centre, where it quickly became clear that one lady just couldn't wait any longer.

Amy Skitt gave birth to baby Eliza in reception minutes later before being transferred up to the ward.

It's just one example of how busy the unit is for the staff at Telford's Princess Royal Hospital.

Since the women and children's centre opened 12 months ago, more than 10,000 children have been treated and more than 3,700 babies have been born.

The first birth at the centre, a baby girl, was born at 6.01pm on September 30 last year.

The centre was officially opened by the Princess Royal, Princess Anne, on January 27.

Cathy Smith, women and children's care group director at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH), said: "We have had an incredibly busy and very successful first year.

"We have relocated the main base for 800 staff members, which was a major task.

"All the credit goes to the staff. But just like moving house, it doesn't all stop once you have moved over.

"There was a lot of unpacking to do and a need to find a home for everything.

"The biggest challenge, and the biggest advantage of the new unit, has been the space. We love it but it has taken some getting used to.

"Staff have to travel further but everything is much more fit for purpose.

"The first few weeks were exciting but very hard work."

The women and children's centre can cater for up to 135 inpatients.

It provides care for women who need a consultant-led birth, and gynaecology services for women who have to stay overnight. It also specialises in children's oncology and haematology care, and cares for babies who need intensive and special care.

The new children's ward has led to the merging of teams of staff previously based on separate wards at Shrewsbury and Telford. It has now become a specialist unit which all staff are proud of.

See today's Shropshire Star for the full special report and pictures