THE maternity unit at St Mary’s Hospital has been awarded £200,000 of government funding to improve facilities.
It will be used by the Isle of Wight NHS Trust to upgrade birthing rooms, install en-suite facilities and create relaxation rooms.
The cash has been awarded to the trust as part of a £25 million makeover of maternity facilities in the south central region.
More than 100 hospitals successfully bid for the Department of Health funding and will use the cash for new birthing pools, midwife-led units, family rooms, en-suite facilities and bereavement spaces, to support parents following a stillbirth.
Health minister Dan Poulter said: "These improvements will make a big difference to the experience mums and families have of NHS maternity services, with more choice and a better environment where women can give birth.
"Maternity units have had to show evidence they asked mums and dads about what changes they need to make, so we know these are the changes local people really want to see."
Reporter: emilyp@iwcpmail.co.uk