Nine new machines are enhancing care for expectant and new mothers requiring continuous monitoring across maternity services at Basildon Hospital. The upgrade and expansion of this equipment were made possible by more than £40,000 donated by Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity. The funding has contributed to seven wall-mounted baby heart monitoring machines and two mobile devices.
Central monitoring system links all devices
A new central monitoring system, used across antenatal, labour, and maternity theatre areas, links all baby heart monitoring machines to one hub. Danielle Atkins, fetal monitoring lead midwife, explained the importance of the additional equipment: “Central monitoring gives us a clear, real-time view of what’s happening across the whole maternity unit.”
Atkins added: “This upgrade to existing monitoring equipment is important as pregnancies have become more complex in recent years, and more women now need regular monitoring. Being able to check fetal activity remotely helps us make quicker decisions, focus on the women who need us most, and work more efficiently as a team. It strengthens patient safety and supports smoother, more coordinated care.”
Machines check fetal wellbeing
The machines’ main purpose is to check fetal wellbeing by monitoring the baby’s heart rate and uterine activity. They are used when concerns arise, such as reduced fetal movements, complications like diabetes, or any situation where a pregnancy is considered high-risk.
Lucy Thomas Clayton, director of Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity, said: “We’re proud to support this important project, as these improvements give staff even better tools to care for women and babies. Just as importantly, they offer real reassurance to families throughout pregnancy and labour.”
The new equipment serves patients from Braintree, Chelmsford, Harlow, Loughton, Maldon, Farleigh, Castle Point, Rochford, Southend, Thurrock, Basildon, and Brentwood.
