A fracture clinic has opened its doors as part of a £150 million investment programme to transform Lister Hospital.

The Comet: Lead midwife Annabel Bradurn, pictured in the centre with maternity team colleagues, has trained midwives to administer a new aromatherapy service at Lister HospitalLead midwife Annabel Bradurn, pictured in the centre with maternity team colleagues, has trained midwives to administer a new aromatherapy service at Lister Hospital (Image: Archant)

Patients were able to use the new £1.1m facility at the Stevenage hospital for the first time last month.

Jane Wheeler, sister for the fracture clinic, said: “Our wonderful new fracture clinic in the outpatients department is easier for patients to get to. We’d like to thank all our patients for bearing with us over the last few months as we waited for our bigger, brighter new clinic to open.”

Helen Beaton, the service’s matron, added: “Our fracture clinic is used by thousands of patients a year – mostly by people who have broken bones, dislocated joints or those who have been sent to us by their GP. The new clinic has more consultants available, and having our own X-ray machines in the clinic makes appointments easier for patients.”

The completion of the fracture clinic is part of a wider overhaul of Lister Hospital to make it the main acute hospital for all of east and north Hertfordshire.

The investment also includes the hospital’s Diamond Jubilee Maternity Unit – unveiled two years ago – which has launched a new aromatherapy service to tie in with Aromatherapy Awareness Week, running until Sunday.

The service is being offered to women giving birth in the midwife-led section of the unit and uses a variety of essential oils to help women relax, and improve physical and psychological well-being during labour and birth. Aromatherapy oils can be administered by inhalation or in combination with other therapies, such as massage or compresses.

Lead midwife Annabel Bradburn, who has qualified in complementary therapies for pregnancy and childbirth, has so far trained 30 midwives to administer the treatments.

She said: “Women in early and established labour can sometimes experience fear, anxiety and physical discomfort. Aromatherapy can help to alleviate these and encourage relaxation, which can lead to a more comfortable and straight forward birth.

“One mum, who recently used aromatherapy during her birth at the unit told us that it was an amazing experience, a real turning point in her labour. She felt it had helped her to relax and focus.

“Midwives themselves are enjoying the benefits too. One colleague told me recently how she loves having another tool that she can use, especially in the latent phase. Our midwives find that women and their partners are really positive about the new service and, of course, it smells divine.”