Helme Chase Midwife Led Unit

Helme Chase is our midwife-led unit, based at the Westmorland General Hospital (WGH) in Kendal. A midwife-led unit means there are no doctors present.

Women can give birth at Helme Chase 24 hours a day, seven days a week, supported by a midwife.

If you are assessed as having an uncomplicated pregnancy, i.e. you are unlikely to develop any complications during your pregnancy, whilst giving birth, or after your baby is born, you can choose to give birth at Helme Chase if you want to.

If at any point during your pregnancy and labour, you or your midwife has any concerns then you will be transferred to one of our consultant-led units at either the Royal Lancaster Infirmary or Furness General Hospital.

Helme Chase operates an on-call system out of hours (Monday - Friday from 8pm - 8am, all day Saturday and Sunday, and Bank Holidays). Out of hours, you simply need to call the unit which is transferred directly to the midwife on call. They can then arrange to meet you at home or at the unit.

Helme Chase is located on the third floor of Westmorland General Hospital. There are lifts available and parking spaces directly outside the hospital.

Additional Information

At Helme Chase, our midwife-led unit at Westmorland General Hospital, we pride ourselves in being able to provide a tranquil and home-from-home environment, which allows you to focus on your body and the baby.

We have a team of dedicated and experienced midwives and clinical support workers who will provide all the support and help you need to have your baby in a true ‘home-from-home’ setting.

Our birthing pool room at Helme Chase has recently been upgraded with a state of the art pool and has en-suite facilities. The room is large and airy, providing a comforting and relaxing surrounding for women in labour.

For further information about Maternity Services at Helme Chase, or to speak to a midwife, please call: 01539 795375

Specialist midwives

We have a team of specialist midwives working in the trust, they include, Domestic abuse, Perinatal mental health, Teenage pregnancy, Substance use, Antenatal and Newborn Screening, Bereavement, Diabetes, Safe Active Birth, Safeguarding and Professional Midwifery Advocate.

Parent education

We offer a wide range of parent education sessions across Morecambe Bay. Please ask your community midwife for details of what’s available in your local area.

Home Birth

Rather than coming into hospital to have your baby, many women chose to give birth at home. This option is available to women who are considered to be low-risk or have no underlying medical conditions.

You can request to have a home birth with your midwife. After the birth of your baby, care and support are provided in your home.

If you choose to have your baby at home, then the community midwifery team will be happy to support this - as long as no problems have been identified in your pregnancy. If there are additional risks which would suggest recommendation of birth in a consultant led unit, but you choose to have your baby at home, discussions can be facilitated by your named community midwife and Supervisor of midwives.

How to refer to our services

Complete a self-referral online @
https://www.uhmb.nhs.uk/maternity

If you need to speak to a member of our administration team or need help completing your on line referral please call us:

If you live in or around Barrow or Kendal areas;
Please call 01229 403838 Mon-Fri 09.00 – 16.30

If you live in or around the Lancaster area;
Please call 01524 584130 Mon-Fri 09.00 – 16.30