ERI to deliver a 'homely' birthing unit

HAVING a "homely" element will be one of the most important factors at a new birthing unit.

Midwives said the centre at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary would provide a more comfortable environment for women in labour.

It will hold six delivery rooms, each with a birthing pool, and is aimed at the 1500 women every year who are expected to have a straight- forward birth. Work has begun on the Little France unit which is expected to open next year.

Chief midwife Maria Wilson said women played a key role in designing the building.

"The feedback from the groups who have helped shape the new service has been really positive," she said.

The NHS Lothian board area is one of the few across Scotland which has an increasing birth rate, prompting the need for more space.