A DEDICATED telephone line for women in labour has received a special award.

Labour Line was introduced 12 months ago by Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (HHFT), which runs Basingstoke hospital, in partnership with South Central Ambulance Service.

It means women in labour can call one number and speak to an experienced midwife based at the ambulance operations centre near Winchester.

The trust picked up the Royal College of Midwives Excellence in Maternity Care Award at a national ceremony in London earlier this month.

It also came second in the Midwifery Service of the Year Award.

Mary Edwards, HHFT chief executive, said: “Labour Line is a success story and the team behind its success deserve this recognition.

“Well done to all of the staff involved in the set-up and the ongoing delivery of this service and thank you to South Central Ambulance Service for their support.”

Women who are booked to give birth at home or at any of the trust’s three hospitals – Andover, Basingstoke or Winchester – can call the Labour Line and speak to an experienced midwife.

Previously women accessed advice or triage by calling community midwives, maternity centres, delivery suites, day assessment units or the labour ward.

The telephone line is credited with avoiding unnecessary 999 calls and giving midwives in maternity units more time to spend with women giving birth.

The trust said the line receives 35 calls per day but can receive up to 60.