Julie visits Corrie to boost new service

BABY boost... midwife Julie Beatty (right) and Julie Hesmondhalgh

OLDHAM midwife Julie Beatty paid a visit to “Coronation Street” to promote a new service for pregnant women.

Julie took to the cobbles to meet Julie Hesmondhalgh, who plays Hayley Cropper, to raise awareness of Direct to Midwife.

By calling 0800-121 4400, women can choose to speak to a midwife instead of their GP as soon as they know they are pregnant, often gaining access to antenatal care more quickly.

Julie, who has an eight-year-old daughter Martha, said: “I strongly believe in midwife-led antenatal care.

“My experience was fantastic when I was pregnant with Martha. They offered me reassurance and advice when I needed it the most.

“The Direct to Midwife telephone number is a great idea, because it offers mums-to-be a simpler way of accessing the care they need.

“It is safe for a woman to speak to a midwife as soon as she knows she is pregnant and it is better to do it sooner rather than later.”

Julie visited the “Coronation Street” set to promote the service around the studio, which has become famous in recent years for the high number of cast members becoming mums and dads.

The introduction of the Direct to Midwife telephone number is designed to offer the choice of using a midwife as first point of contact.

On calling, women will be put in touch with the team of midwives closest to where they live.