• Had a planned c-section which I was very nervous about, staff in the theatre and in recovery were absolutely amazing and were able to support us so we felt comfortable with our new baby.

    -Southend Hospital

    Had a planned c-section which I was very nervous about, staff in the theatre and in recovery were absolutely amazing and were able to support us so we felt comfortable with our new baby.

  • The midwifes at WJC are beyond amazing, the care they provided me throughout my pregnancy, then in my labour and with my baby whilst we stayed a few days after was second to none.

    -William Julien Court Birthing unit

    The midwifes at WJC are beyond amazing, the care they provided me throughout my pregnancy, then in my labour and with my baby whilst we stayed a few days after was second to none.

  • Excellent care. I had a VBAC and was fully supported in all of my choices and well informed with any decisions that were advised for me. I felt listened to and well cared for at all times.

    -Basildon Hospital

    Excellent care. I had a VBAC and was fully supported in all of my choices and well informed with any decisions that were advised for me. I felt listened to and well cared for at all times.

  • Service and level of care received was impeccable. I couldn't have asked for more. Care was outstanding!

    -Broomfield Hospital

    Service and level of care received was impeccable. I couldn't have asked for more. Care was outstanding!

Temporary movement of antenatal appointments from WJC Birthing Centre 

Please be aware, that from August 30, 2024, for 12 months, pregnancy and antenatal appointments will temporarily move from William Julien Courtauld Birthing Centre (WJC) to Braintree Community Hospital due to construction of the new Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) next to WJC.

Women and birthing people coming for births or postnatal care will use a separate entrance to minimise noise and ensure safety, although temporary closures may be necessary during disruptive work. 

Midwives will be contacting women and birthing people about the changes and those who wish to birth at WJC to inform them of the potential for noise during the building works. Please contact your midwife if you have any questions or concerns.

Your birth, our care

We are committed to providing you with exceptional care and support throughout your pregnancy, labour, and birth, ensuring a safe, comfortable, and positive experience. To familiarise yourself with our maternity services, take a look at our virtual maternity video tours, which provide an informative glimpse into our labor and delivery suites, birthing rooms, and postnatal care facilities.

Learn more about the stages of labour and birth at https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth.

Visiting information

Postnatal ward visiting hours are 9am to 8.30pm at all hospitals.

At all sites, a partner can attend throughout the induction process between 9am and 8.30pm.

Once in established labour, the second birth partner can attend. If you have Covid-19, you can have one birthing partner. If your planned birth partner has Covid-19, they cannot attend.

Please do not bring any real flowers as they may affect our patients and are an infection risk.

Getting ready for birth resources

Ready to meet your little one? Check out our helpful resources for expectant parents, including information on preparing for birth and choosing a birthing location.

 

Virtual tours

Broomfield Hospital

Address: Court Road, Broomfield, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 7ET

Contact numbers: 

  • Labour ward for women and birthing people starting from17 weeks and onwards: 01245 513056 or 01245 513057. The service is available 24/7 to offer expert care and advice.
  • Triage/Day assessment unit, open 24/7- call 01245 513355.
  • Postnatal ward, open 24/7- call 01245 513566.

Basildon Hospital

Address: Nether Mayne, Basildon SS16 5NL 

Contact numbers: 

  • Community’s Secretary Service- call 01268 394599, between Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 4.00pm.
  • Mulberry Assessment Centre- call 0300 443 5555 and speak to one of our team members.
  • Willow Suite (midwifery-led birthing unit)- call 01268 524900 and then use the extension number 4597 or 3823.
  • Delivery Suite- call 01268 524900 and then use the extension number 4598 or 3550.
  • Cedar Suite- call 01268 524900 and then use the extension number 8088 or 4596.

Contact details

Southend Hospital

Address: Prittlewell Chase, Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea, Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 0RY 

 Contact number: 

  • Women’s clinic- call 01702 435555  and then use the extention number 5515, between Monday to Friday, from 8.00am to 4.00pm.
  • Community- call 01702 435555  and then use the extention number 5487, between Monday to Friday, from 8.00am to 4.00pm.
  • Central delivery suite- call 01702 435555  and then use the extention number 6485 or 6487. The team is available 24/7 to offer expert care and advice.Midwifery-led birthing unit- call 01702 435555  and then use the extention number 5261. The team is available 24/7 to offer expert care and advice.
  • Feeding specialist- call 01702 435555  and then use the extention number 7296, between Monday to Friday, from 8.00am to 4.00pm.
  • Perinatal wellbeing services- call 01702538170 and speak to one of our team members, between Monday to Friday, from 9.00am to 5.00pm.
  • Infant feeding specialist midwives: call 01702 435555  and then use the extention number 7296, between Monday to Friday, from 8.00am to 4.00pm.

William Julien Courtauld birthing unit

Address: Rayne Road, St Michael's Health Centre, Braintree, CM7 2QU

Contact numbers:

  • Birthing unit and community- call 01376 555943 or use the extention numbers or 2943 and 2321. The team is available 24/7 to offer support and advice.