STAFF from the maternity centre at University Hospital of North Staffordshire have scooped an award for the service they provide to fathers.

The National Maternity Award for an innovative new service was given to staff from the hospital's Midwife Birth Centre. They won joint first place with the Royal West Sussex NHS Trust.

The award was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Maternity (APPGM) which acknowledges inspiring work in improving local maternity services.

Karen Meadowcroft, birth centre manager, said: "We realised fathers needed a more pro-active role during labour and often there were many simple techniques they could use to help their partner and feel more in control.

"At the moment we are seeing 40 couples a week in these classes and it has made a huge difference to admissions. Now couples have the confidence to manage the early stages at home and only come into the Birth Centre once they are in established labour."

The Midwife Birth Centre has been running 'Preparation for Birth' classes aimed at couples with the intention of providing fathers with a definite role to play during labour and the birth of their child. The classes focus on relaxation, diet and nutrition.