Closed birthing centre is reborn

Before closing about 150 babies were born at The Grange each year

Campaigners have won their battle to save a Hampshire birthing centre.

The Grange Maternity Unit, in Petersfield, closed temporarily on 4 July last year due to a shortage of midwives.

Almost 16 months later the Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust-run unit will reopen on Monday, 30 October.

Save The Grange leader Sarah Roberts told the campaign website: "It is good news that the Grange will be open for births."

Before its closure about 150 babies were born at The Grange each year.

All midwifery clinics currently held at GP surgeries in and around Petersfield will now be held at The Grange.

A trust statement said new mothers "can expect to have immediate post-birth care only in the Grange, returning home when they are fit".