SITUATED on the site of Furness General Hospital, the South Lakes Birthing Centre is a stark contrast to the old facility.

Bright, light and modern, the new unit is a source of pride.

Costing £12m to build, the 2,553 sq m unit is made up of 14 ensuite birthing rooms with facilities for partners to stay over, two dedicated operating theatres, a special care baby unit, a maternity assessment area, a transitional care facility, a skills lab for staff training, and a bereavement suite.

Building started on the unit in September 2016 and has taken just under 15 months to complete.

Throughout December, a period of commissioning took place to ensure all the equipment was installed and tested, followed by rigorous orientation for staff.

Two open days were held on January 13 and 14 and saw the unit visited by around 250 expectant mums, partners and extended families.

One of the most unusual pieces of equipment shown to visitors was the £70,000 life-like doll, called Simone, bought by the trust for training purposes.

The 'Sim-mom' is highly sophisticated piece of technology which simulates birth and gives staff the ability to hone their professional skills.

Used for training purposes, Simone can bleed, cough and give birth and is housed in an interactive classroom fitted with £5,000 worth of microphones and cameras.