A beautiful makeover to enhance the environment for the 5,000 families who annually use the Medway Fetal and Maternal Medicine Centre (MFMC) has been made possible, thanks to your generous donations.
The centre is a commissioned unit for the south east of England, supporting not only women in Medway and Swale, but women with high-risk pregnancies in Kent and Essex.
Harriet Hickey, Lead Fetal Medicine Midwife, said: “At the MFMC we are committed to providing a positive experience for all families that come under the care of Medway maternity. In particular, we recognise the importance of creating an environment that is welcoming and calming to families that are undergoing pregnancy journeys, recognising that not all these journeys will have positive outcomes.
“While we have always been confident in the provision of high-quality care, we were all too aware through both patient and staff feedback, that the environment could be greatly enhanced to allow families a more comfortable experience.
“We were therefore delighted when The Medway Hospital Charity agreed to support our request to fund these improvements and the feedback from patients and staff has been overwhelmingly positive.”
The centre’s main entrance is now properly signposted. Inside the department has been re-painted and colour coded with flower-themed graphics and signage to make it easier for families to find their way around.
Gemma Sycamore (pictured) said: “In the past I have always felt quite apprehensive coming to the department but both myself and my partner appreciated the tangible change to the unit. It now feels bright, bubbly and inviting and it’s a much more welcoming space.”
Another patient, who fed back in writing to the team, said: “I noticed that the unit has had a makeover and I thought it was a much more welcoming space for patients, it put a smile on my face and I’m sure is a nicer environment to work in.”
