Rochdale midwife calls at the Rovers Return

Fay Wanless with Coronation Street actor Julie Hesmondhalgh at the Rovers Return

Rochdale midwife Fay Wanless met Coronation Street actor Julie Hesmondhalgh at the Rovers Return to raise awareness of the telephone service Direct to Midwife.

Ms Wanless Fay visited the famous cobbles to hand over a set of posters and a special teddy bear for display around the Coronation Street 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.

Julie Hesmondhalgh 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.”

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.