Dedicated fundraisers have donated £23,800 worth of machinery to a maternity department threatened with closure.

Staff at St Helier Hospital thanked the St Helier and Sutton League of Friends for the state-of-the-art monitors which will measure a baby’s heart rate throughout labour.

Wimbledon Times:

The maternity ward at St Helier Hospital

The machines will also measure the mother’s blood pressure, pulse and oxygen levels before and during birth. 

Despite welcoming a record number of babies into the world last year St Helier’s maternity department has been recommended for closure under the controversial healthcare review Better Services Better Value.

A total of 3,357 babies were born at the hospital last year.

Chair of the League of Friends Val Brundle said: “Knowing that our charity, and the people who so generously support the work that we do, is making a difference to our local hospitals is fantastic.”

Wimbledon Times:

Mum's have been protesting to try and save the St Helier's maternity 

The head of midwifery for the Trust, Sally Sivas, said: “On behalf of the maternity team, I would like to say a huge thank you to the St Helier and Sutton League of Friends for yet another generous donation.

“Not only is that great news for local parents-to-be and their children, it’s also great for our staff too – this new equipment makes our jobs just that little bit easier.”

For more information about the League of Friends and the hospital visit their website.