A NEW maternity service in north Essex has been launched.

One to One Midwives, an NHS approved provider, will be providing another option for pregnant women in the area.

The company has helped deliver more than 3,000 babies in the North West, including 30 per cent home births, and is now offering services here.

They offer a community based midwifery service.

Founder Joanne Parkington said: “By actively giving women greater choice, the Government will not only be relieving some of the enormous stress on hospital maternity services, it will also be giving women the right to choose the setting in which they give birth.

“During the past three years, our results have proved continuity of care ensures safer outcomes for women and their babies and allows for a more satisfying and empowering birth experience.”

A major consultation on the future of maternity services will be launched next month.

It will be focused on whether maternity units in Clacton and Harwich should be open for births around the clock or only when mums-to-be are about to give birth.

In March staff shortages at Colchester General Hospital led Colchester Hospitals Trust to temporarily shut the 24/7 Clacton and Harwich units for all births.

They were reopened on an “on-demand” basis in July.

Currently, once a mum has given birth in Clacton or Harwich, they are either discharged when ready or sent to Colchester General for more care, as they cannot stay overnight.

A final decision will be made early next year.

To find out more about the additional provider visit www.onetoonemidwives.org