The Department of Health has awarded £36,000 to Arrowe Park’s maternity unit for a new ultrasound scanner to assist in critical care of seriously ill women.

The scanner provides a high-quality image which allows clinicians to more easily perform procedures such as epidurals, which provide pain relief during childbirth, and spinal blocks, which numb the lower half of the body before a caesarean section.

The funding is part of a national drive to improve safety in maternity care.

Head of midwifery Debbie Edwards said: “We are always keen to pursue any opportunities that have a positive impact on the women we care for and are delighted that our funding application was successful.

"One of many benefits this equipment brings is that it reduces the need for general anaesthetics, which carry higher risks particularly for women with a high body mass index and as such will also reduce the chance of an expectant mum and her partner missing out on seeing their baby come into the world, which can really affect the overall experience.”

Dr Alice Arch, obstetric anaesthetic lead for the hospital, said: “This type of equipment is used in various areas of medicine to improve accuracy and control in cases where factors such as weight or spinal problems can make it more complicated to administer anaesthetic or medication.

"If these women become poorly due to conditions such as pre-eclampsia or haemorrhage, the ultrasound is invaluable in placing lines that might be needed to deliver treatment and has the potential to reduce admissions to intensive care.

"This means that new mothers who are ill are less likely to be separated from their babies, which can impact on a whole range of things including breastfeeding, bonding and mum’s mental well-being.”

Wirral’s maternity unit delivers around 3,700 babies every year - an average of ten per day - from across Cheshire, Merseyside and North Wales.