MORE than 600 births have been registered in Worcestershire in just ten days as county council staff catch up with the backlog that has built up during the lockdown.
Last week the registration offices in Worcester, Bromsgrove, Redditch an Kidderminster reopened after being shut as part of the restrictions.
On their busiest day the authority’s employees completed a massive 95 registrations whilst ensuring measures were in place to protect staff and visitor safety.
Coun Lucy Hodgson, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Communities, said: “It’s a big moment for families when they register the birth of their child, we are really pleased to be able offer face-to-face registrations once more.
“A backlog of registrations had built up and I want to thank our Registration Services teams for working hard to ensure Worcestershire’s new parents are able to access this important service safely.”
Social distancing measures to keep staff and visitors safe include staggered appointment times, hand sanitiser, screens and clear advice.
Mrs Radford from Bromsgrove, who registered her baby last week, said: “It was easy and quick to book the appointment online.
“During the appointment which was great, I felt safe with the screens and the hand sanitisers.”
To meet the demand from Worcestershire’s parents, register offices have been opening on Saturdays to compensate for the three months they were closed for.
To adhere to social distancing regulations, birth registration is strictly by appointment only.
Appointments can be made using an online booking system: http://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/info/20000/birth_death_marriage_civil_partnership
