Tendring's two maternity units are celebrating a major cash windfall of more than £500,000 to modernise facilities.

Harwich Maternity Unit, at Harwich Hospital, will receive £461,036 while the unit at Clacton Hospital will get £96,100, it was announced yesterday (Monday).

Paul Unsworth, chief executive of Tendring Primary Care Trust, said the money was currently with the Department of Health and would be made available within the next two years.

"At Clacton, the unit will be refurbished and modernised," he said.

"The flooring will be replaced, it will be redecorated throughout and there will be new foetal heart monitors provided along with additional equipment."

Mr Unsworth said the large amount for Harwich was needed to replace the roof with an up-to-date construction, upgrade the wash rooms and create a patio area where mothers can relax.

He said the boost followed recent good performance ratings for both units.

"The money is some tangible reward, which will help us to improve services and safeguard the future of Tendring's valuable maternity facilities," he added.

The bid for the money was put together by Lynne Woodcock, director of nursing at Tendring Primary Care Trust, and Anne Ferris, head of midwifery at Essex Rivers Healthcare Trust.

Clacton and Harwich were among 208 maternity units across the country to have been allocated money by the Government.

Colchester General Hospital is to get £76,235.

By Nigel Brown

Reporter's e-mail: nigel_brown@thisisessex.co.uk

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