Issue 318 – State-of-the-art monitor for baby unit

A new CTG foetal monitor has been described as “absolutely fantastic” by midwives at Frome Community Hospital’s birthing unit. The important state-of-the-art piece of equipment arrived just before Christmas, thanks to a local fundraiser and the Friends of Frome Hospital.

The monitor, valued at £4,000, will now further enhance the midwifery staff’s ability in providing mothers-to-be with a highly detailed and comprehensive assessment of the health of their un-born baby throughout their pregnancy.
Although the well-equipped birthing unit hosts a range of modern maternity systems, the advanced CTG foetal monitor has always been on their ‘wish list’ but could not be afforded within the normal NHS budgets.
Peter Smith, chairman of the Friends of Frome Hospital explained, “Earlier in the year one of our supporters, Frome lady Willow Harwood, approached us and said she would like to raise some funds specifically to provide something fitting for the birthing unit in the way of saying thank you to all the staff who were so supportive to her family during the short life of her nephew, born at the old Victoria Hospital.
“Willow went on to complete a sponsored walk to the top of Mount Snowdon in August last year and raised a considerable amount of money for her efforts.
“The midwives had identified the foetal monitor as the item which would be of most value to the day-to-day care they provide, so the Friends of the Hospital made up the shortfall, which allowed the equipment to be ordered and installed before Christmas.
“We would like to add our thanks to Willow for all her efforts, and the ‘Friends’ are delighted to be in full support of acquiring this equipment on behalf of the midwifery team.”
Peter Smith concluded, “It is important to let the people of Frome know that their generous donations are being ring-fenced for improvements to patient care.”