Extra CCTV cameras have been installed to beef up security at a maternity unit as part of a £850,000 refurbishment project.

Staff at the unit at Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton were given the cash by the Government to improve facilities.

The money has been spent on the latest life-saving equipment and extra facilities for patients.

Improvements include new delivery beds, a specialist theatre bed and updated machines that monitor a baby's heartbeat while the mother is giving birth.

Other developments include new en-suite shower rooms, extra toilet and shower facilities and an upgraded staff room.

A new birthing pool has been installed along with an ultrasound machine and specialist equipment that helps babies to breathe.

Community midwifery manager Jenny Cleary said: "We were delighted with the grant. It has given us a chance to get all these extra pieces of equipment and supplies that can make so much difference to patients.

"When we applied for the money we asked staff what they would like to see improved and drew up a shopping list.

"The new birthing pool is proving to be very popular. We've got an extra device installed there to heat up towels, which is something small but it can make a lot of difference in terms of comfort."

The unit, which is spread over four floors, deals with about 3,500 births every year and treats women from Brighton and Hove and the Newhaven and Peacehaven area. There are more than 150 midwives based at the unit. About nine per cent of births take place at home, which is well above the UK average of about two per cent.