A NEW SUITE has opened up to support mothers expecting multiple births in the borough.
Mothers who are expecting twins, multiple births or more complex deliveries which require more staff to be present are now being welcomed into the Gemini Suite in Royal Berkshire Hospital.
The idea for the suite was generated by midwives, doctors, mothers and their families who had suggested providing a more flexible non-theatre environment for twins and multiple births.
To raise money to develop the new facilities midwives, doctors, care assistants and their family members tackled Snowdon, Ben Nevis and Scarfell Pike in a ‘Maternity Mountain Madness’ challenge.
On three consecutive weekends earlier this summer, three teams set off on their mountain treks and experienced a range of weather conditions from blazing sunshine to freezing snow.
Sara Phillips, delivery suite manager said: “I am so proud of all of my colleagues and their efforts to raise the funds to convert the space for Gemini suite. I am also thankful to the women and their families and members of the public who have supported and sponsored us – everyone’s generosity has been greatly appreciated.
“We are also incredibly grateful to the Stevens’ family for their very generous donation in thanks for care they received from our team.
“We are now aiming to use the new Gemini suite to its full potential and looking forward to supporting women and families who are expecting multiple births in a more comfortable environment.”
Abby Stevens, a mother who was cared for by the RBH maternity team said: “In October 2017 my son Peter and I were lucky enough to receive life-saving care from Patrick Bose and the amazing team at the RBH. After a week-long stay in ICU and Marsh ward we came home with eternal gratitude to the team and the NHS.
“We all remain incredibly grateful and thankful to Patrick, the entire maternity team and the NHS for saving my life and safely delivering my son Peter.
“We really wanted to give something back and show our gratitude. We were so pleased to hear about the Gemini suite – a much-needed resource for the safe delivery of multiples births at the RBH and were thrilled to be able to donate towards it.”
Dr Patrick Bose, consultant obstetrics and gynaecology said: “As a labour ward lead, I was incredibly proud to invite staff, supporters of the initiative and former patients to the formal opening of the Gemini suite.
“Gemini represents the culmination of two years of planning and incredible fundraising, and has resulted in a purpose-built birthing room for twin and multiple birth pregnancies. The potential benefits to mothers, partners and babies will become increasingly apparent as the maternity unit continues to deliver a truly ‘patient-centred’ experience.”
