A MIDWIFE hub service which provides flexible care for pregnant women around Barnsley has been nominated for a Hospital Hero award.

The community hubs, which are located in Athersley, Grimethorpe, Bolton-on-Dearne and Wombwell, were set up by the Matron and team leaders of the Community Midwifery Team to offer a Monday to Friday presence of midwifery care in family centres.

The hubs mean that pregnant women will not need to make an appointment to see a GP and instead have direct access to a midwife seven days a week.

The midwives offer antenatal and postnatal care, and also give easy reach to other services found at the family centres such as dietary education, welfare rights and family support.

Through the hubs, women can access much needed medical care a lot easier than before, and it often means they can receive routine tests and treatment away from a hospital setting.

Midwives at the hubs offer care and support throughout the pregnancy and once a child has been born, allowing them to build relationships with the families in order to give the highest service of care.

Sandra Newman, community midwifery matron at Barnsley Hospital, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been nominated for a Proud of Barnsley Award, it is testament to the hard work of the team.

“Through the community hubs we are bringing hospital care out to women in the community. Our community midwives really get to know women and their families and can provide continuity of care throughout the pregnancy, birth and postnatal. We are really proud of the service.”

Read more in this weeks Barnsley Chronicle