A maternity ward at St Peter’s Hospital has unveiled its makeover after winning a share of a £25m Government grant.

The Chertsey hospital was one of more than 100 across the country to bid for funding to improve the birthing environment for women.

The £150,000 granted to St Peter’s was used to update the communal area on Joan Booker ward, used by women before and after having their babies.

Women use the space to get their breakfast in the morning and if they want a change of environment to feed their babies or chat to other mothers.

Sandra Houston, associate director of midwifery, said: “The feedback about the new area has been really positive. It is so much brighter, modern and welcoming.

“We used the rest of the fund to make improvements to our ‘home from home’ rooms and now have one of the latest birthing slings, which enable women to maintain more comfortable upright positions during labour and birth.”

The layout of the ward was also changed, with computer terminals used by midwifes moved to a desk area adjacent to the sitting area.