Royal visit for Grampian maternity unit from RCM Patron HRH The Princess Royal

By RCM on 04 April 2022 NHS Midwives RCM RCM Member

Inverurie’s Community Maternity Unit (ICMU) was treated to a Royal visit at the weekend from the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) Patron, HRH The Princess Royal.

The Princess Royal toured the unit meeting midwives, healthcare support workers other maternity staff and families. Along the way she visited the Day Assessment Unit, the Scanning Room and one of the unit’s birth rooms. Accompanying her on the visit were the RCM’s President Rebeccah Davies and Director for Scotland Jaki Lambert, along with NHS Grampian Interim Chairman, Dr John Tomlinson and Deputy Chief Executive, Adam Coldwells.

RCM Scotland Director Jaki Lambert said:

“Not long after the unit opened the pandemic hit, which staff on the unit coped with magnificently. It was so lovely to see the staff speaking to HRH The Princess Royal about how much a part of the community the unit has become, and how they worked through the pandemic to keep services going. They talked with great pride about their work and the care and services they provide for women in the area. This is such a great honour for the whole team here, and a well-deserved one.”

The ICMU opened in 2019 delivering maternity services to women from across Aberdeenshire.  It is also a base for midwives working in the unit and out in the community, offering antenatal and postnatal care for women along with the choice a birth in the unit or at home. It also has consultant clinics, and specialist clinics supporting women with perinatal mental health problems. It’s a busy unit and since opening has seen 339 births – 37 of them homebirths.

John Tomlinson, interim Chair of NHS Grampian, said: "It was a pleasure to welcome HRH The Princess Royal to Inverurie Community Maternity Unit. I know staff were delighted to have the opportunity to speak to her and highlight the vital role played by our midwifery teams."

At the end of the tour, the Princess Royal unveiled a special plaque to commemorate her visit, which will be displayed in the unit.

 

ENDS

 

To contact the RCM Media Office call 020 7312 3456, or email media@rcm.org.uk. To contact the NHS Grampian media office contact info here.

 

Notes to Editors:

 

The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) is the only trade union and professional association dedicated to serving midwifery and the whole midwifery team.  We provide workplace advice and support, professional and clinical guidance, and information, and learning opportunities with our broad range of events, conferences, and online resources. For more information visit the RCM | A professional organisation and trade union dedicated to serving the whole midwifery team.