Bury Midwife Calls at the Rovers Return

Date published: 25 March 2010

More used to delivering lines than delivering babies, Coronation Street actor Julie Hesmondhalgh met Bury midwife, Jo Weetman at the Rovers Return to raise awareness of the telephone service Direct to Midwife.

By calling 0800 121 4400, pregnant women can choose to speak to a midwife as soon as they know they are pregnant instead of their GP, often gaining access to antenatal care more quickly.

Julie was well looked after by midwives whilst pregnant with her daughter Martha, now 8. She said: “I strongly believe in midwife-led antenatal care. My experience was fantastic when I was pregnant with Martha. They offered me reassurance and advice when I needed it the most.”

“The Direct to Midwife telephone number is a great idea, because it offers mums-to-be a simpler way of accessing the care they need. It is safe for a woman to speak to a midwife as soon as she knows she is pregnant and it is better to do it sooner rather than later.”

Jo visited the famous cobbles to hand over a set of posters and a special teddy bear for display around the Corrie studios, which has become famous in recent years for the high number of cast members becoming mums and dads.

The introduction of the Direct to Midwife telephone number, reached by dialling 0800 121 4400, is designed to offer the choice of using a midwife as first point of contact more widely. On calling, women will be put in touch with the team of midwives closest to where they live.

Direct to Midwife doesn’t replace direct numbers women might have for their midwife or GP and can’t offer direct telephone support for women with concerns about their pregnancy.