The maternity department at the James Paget University Hospital (JPUH) once again has cause for celebration as they have been awarded a share of the £2 million government funding to invest in new maternity safety equipment.

The hospital made a bid for a share of the £2 million pot, which the government pledged towards investing in safer maternity care, and the hospital are delighted to have been awarded £23,000.

The investment will be used to purchase two new Cardiotocography (CTG) machines, which measure the baby’s heart rate, one new twin monitor and a new portable ultra sound machine.

The new equipment will be used in the Triage and Maternity Assessment Unit areas which will improve the experiences of women using JPUH’s maternity services.

Head of Midwifery, Jayne Utting said “We’re delighted to have been awarded this funding to improve the services we provide.

We’re always working to improve the experiences of our patients and feel this will be a great addition to the unit”.

Last month staff at the JPUH’s maternity team were also celebrating after being awarded the Unicef (United Nation’s Children’s Fund) Baby Friendly Award, following an inspection carried out by the charity at the hospital earlier this year.

The Baby Friendly initiative, set up by Unicef and the World Health Organisation, is a global programme which provides a practical and effective way for health services to improve the care provided for all mothers and babies.

The award is given to hospitals that demonstrate to Unicef assessors that recognised best practice standards are in place.