23 August 2022
Actress Linda Bassett and President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Mr Eddie Morris are due to attend Jersey’s General Hospital on Wednesday 24 August.
The pair have been invited over as part of a delegation from the UK charity Baby Lifeline to see the work that it has undertaken in conjunction with Island charity Philip’s Footprints to improve outcomes for Jersey babies.
Philip’s Footprints launched its Safer Pregnancy Projects in 2016 to reduce the stillbirth and premature birth rates in the Island. Since then it has collaborated with Baby Lifeline to invest more than £94,000 into Jersey’s maternity services.
This investment includes funding more than 330 places for training for healthcare professionals as well as funding wireless foetal monitors and Community Midwife homebirth bags.
On Wednesday, patron of Baby Lifeline Ms Bassett and chair of its multi professional advisory panel Mr Morris, will present a new monitor to the Maternity Unit in Jersey General Hospital which will enable clinicians to monitor women while they are in labour.
During their visit, the pair will also meet health professionals who work in the Maternity Unit.
Jo Nash, founder of Philip’s Footprints, said: “We were extremely fortunate to connect with Baby Lifeline and form a lasting partnership for which we are always thankful.
“Through them, we have purchased antenatal equipment, Baby Lifeline home birth bags and brought nationally recognised training to staff here in Jersey. They consistently go above and beyond to support both ourselves and Jersey Maternity and share in our determination to improve outcomes for Jersey babies.”
Judy Ledger, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Baby Lifeline, said: “It has been an enormous privilege to work with Jersey’s Philips Footprints over the years, and indeed to support Jersey’s health professionals, mothers and babies.
“A whole range of monitoring equipment has been provided as a result of this, as well as implementing specific, continuing professional development training, for midwives and obstetricians. Exciting events have been staged, raising the profile and the important work of the charities.” “
Lead Midwife, Jan Auffret said: “The Maternity Unit is extremely grateful for the range of monitoring equipment and professional training provided to us. We are proud to maintain the relationship with Philips footprints and Baby Lifeline. Thank you for all your invaluable support.”
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