AN OVERHAUL of the post-natal ward at Basildon Hospital has been completed in a bid to make mums as relaxed as possible after giving birth.

The Cedar ward has now re-opened with hospital bosses hoping to have created a welcoming space for families after the revamp.

It comes after Basildon Hospital’s maternity unit faced criticism from the care quality commission last year, with a host of improvements rolled out including better places for staff to rest and boosted numbers.

Changes to the post-natal ward include moving the midwives’ work station to the centre to give mums peace of mind, while also helping staff monitor women during their stay.

Shelves for toiletries have been added to shower rooms to give mums who have had a c-section easier access to washing facilities.

Lesley Overy, head of people’s experience and engagement, maternity and neonatal services, said: “We’ve really listened to the women who use our service, so we know that even small things like the newly fitted shelves in showers will make a huge positive difference to their experience on the ward after they have had their baby.

“Women have also helped choose the brighter and lighter colour scheme, which help make it a much nicer area to spend this important time in.”

Updates also include new windows, which have filters on them to help reduce heat loss in the winter, and patients can also enjoy the calming effect of newly-installed mood lighting.

The revamp follows conversations the hospital team have had with women, members of Maternity Voices Partnership and maternity staff, who all gave their input on the move.

While it isn’t just patients who are benefitting, staff also have an improved working environment, including an extra office and also an area where they can get a drink and relax.

This is the first step in the refurbishment of three maternity wards at Basildon Hospital, which are due to be completed this summer.