A WRITER from Call The Midwife thanked real-life midwives yesterday when she opened a new centre.

Harriet Warner, co-writer of the hit BBC One show, cut a ribbon to launch the Hove Midwifery Hub.

And she told those assembled how it had already helped her, her partner and their baby.

Harriet said: “The hub’s been the most wonderful experience for my partner Amanda and I and our baby Greta.

“It’s been amazing how well supported we’ve been across so many key milestones during pregnancy and beyond.

“Greta’s the biggest thing that’s ever happened to us and it’s all down to the phenomenal care and support we’ve received through the hub and the Royal Sussex County Hospital.

“It’s been such a comfort to feel so safe and reassured. The care we’ve had, we just could never put into words.

“For years, through Call The Midwife, I’ve written about babies and cutting of cords and it’s never felt more real for me.

“Now I get it, I really feel it. It’s been so lovely to see that the care you might fear has disappeared absolutely hasn’t. The midwives here have distilled what Call The Midwife is all about – compassion and personalised care in the heart of the community. But the best midwives aren’t on TV, they’re here.

“We really feel love for this place and the people who make it. Amanda and I have really appreciated having such solid services on our doorstep rather than always having to come into hospital.

“There’s been real continuity of care, familiar faces, an approachable and friendly feel to the place and we’ve also met other mums, couples and babies through the hub.

“It’s been really special all coming together and cutting the cord to mark and celebrate the opening of such a brilliant service which we’d be totally lost without.”

The Midwifery Hub in Cromwell Road, Hove, is the first of its kind in the South East and will see up to 1,000 women each year for their ante and post natal care in an environment which is designed to be comfortable, calm and, importantly, away from the busy acute hospital.

Marion Wilyman, the community midwifery manager at Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, said the hub was an innovation which gave women the best experience.

She said: “I feel immensely proud of our community midwives and support workers who made this happen.”