Newly-pregnant women will be able to bypass their doctors and refer themselves to a midwife.

The new initiative allows women to refer themselves directly to the care of a midwife at the William Julien Courtauld (WJC) Hospital in Braintree.

Referrals can be made by e-mail or telephone to the team of midwives based at the London Road hospital's birthing centre.

Chris Bromwich, midwifery manager, said: "This self-referral system will enable women to have earlier access to the midwives, which we hope will lead to the increased use of the WJC birthing centre."

To make a referral, e-mail WJC@meht.nhs.uk or telephone 01376 308580 or 01376 308586

Published Tuesday, February 8, 2005

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