Co Antrim mums-to-be are to enjoy a boost with news that the new Midwifery led unit at Lisburn City's Lagan Valley Hospital will open early next year.

After the 2nd of February, there will be a four-bedded facility with each of the four single rooms having its own en suite facilities and there will also be a birthing pool.

The transfer from a consultant led inpatient service to the midwifery led service has been planned for some time as experts have said that many of the women who give birth each year at Lagan Valley Hospital will be suitable to give birth in the Midwifery led unit.

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However those women who require or choose to give birth in a consultant led unit have the option of going to the Ulster, the Royal Jubilee or Craigavon Hospital to have their babies.

Consultants from the South Eastern Trust and the Belfast Trust along with midwives will provide a full range of antenatal services in Lagan Valley Hospital assuring local access to a range of services for woman.

Assistant Director of Women and Acute Child Health Eileen McEneaney told the Lisburn Star newspaper: "We are confident that, like other Midwifery Led Units in the region, this unit will provide a positive and pleasant experience, promoting normality in childbirth.

"Letters have been sent to all women who have booked to give birth in Lagan Valley on or after January 18, 2011 outlining their options and offering an opportunity to access advice and discuss their future care.

"We are delighted that women who choose and are suitable to deliver in Lagan Valley can continue to do so."

(BMcC/GK)