Improvements to maternity facilities to help new mothers at a Harrow hospital are nearing completion.

The birth centre at Northwick Park Hospital has undergone a £168,000 improvement programme paid for by the Department of Health.

New birthing pools have been installed as well as new equipment to support mums-to-be during labour.

An eight-bed transitional unit has also been opened to help new babies who may require extra care without being separated from their mothers.

Head of midwifery Gloria Rowland said: “We hope these improvements will make parents’ birth experience more comfortable, not just for mum but the whole family.

“The changes will also allow us to give mothers greater choice in the type of birth they would like.”