HRH The Princess Royal visits staff at Norfolk maternity department
It's as part of her role as patron of the Royal College of Midwives
Her Royal Highness (HRH) The Princess Royal met staff working in the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital’s maternity department as part of her role as patron of the Royal College of Midwives (RCM).
Anne, Princess Royal, was given a tour of the department by Director of Midwifery and Nursing Stephanie Pease visiting foetal medicine, antenatal clinic, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Blakeney ward, Cley ward, the Midwifery Led Birthing Unit and Delivery Suite. During the tour, The Princess Royal met frontline staff including midwives, maternity support workers, student midwives, doctors and support staff working across the maternity service.
The Princess Royal was greeted by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Norfolk. The Lady Dannatt, who introduced Norfolk and Waveney University Hospitals Group Chief Executive Professor Lesley Dwyer, Vice Chair Tom Spink and NNUH Chief Nurse Rachael Cocker. They were joined by RCM President Sophie Russell and RCM Chief Executive Gill Walton.
Stephanie Pease, Director of Midwifery and Nursing at NNUH, said: “We are absolutely honoured to welcome HRH The Princess Royal and incredibly proud to introduce her to our outstanding colleagues who make such a difference to babies and families across Norfolk.”
The visit concluded with The Princess Royal unveiling a plaque to mark the visit outside the Delivery Suite.
Maternity Services at NNUH have been recognised for making improvements and were rated as Good by the Care Quality Commission last year. They found the team worked well together for the benefit of people who access their services and their families. Areas of outstanding practice were identified including the launch of the Maternal Medicine Centre which offers pre-pregnancy counselling and additional support for those with pre-existing medical conditions.
RCM Chief Executive Gill Walton said: “It was a pleasure to join HRH The Princess Royal on this visit to the Norfolk and Norwich, to hear RCM members sharing stories with her about their work for women and families with such pride. She’s a fantastic advocate for midwives and maternity support workers and always shows a keen interest in the work that goes on up and down the country."