A leading healthcare official paid a visit to the maternity unit of St George's Hospital, Tooting.

Dame Karlene Davis, general secretary of the Royal College of Midwives, was welcomed by Marie Grant, executive director of nursing.

She toured the unit and met key midwifery staff including the hospital's first consultant midwife, Liz Stephens.

Ms Grant said, "The visit of Dame Karlene recognises St George's midwives and the contribution they are making to maternity care.

"She has been able to see her pioneering Vision 2000, a framework of new initiatives in maternity care, incorporated into the NHS plan and delivered at ground level today."

The unit, which received £800,000 towards the modernisation and improvement of maternity facilities, has a High Dependency Unit opening early next year.

The number of midwives in the unit has increased and there are more experienced midwives on hand, which is due to the investment of Merton Sutton and Wandsworth health authority.

November 30, 2001 11:00