AIREDALE Hospital has delivered its first-ever maternity services open day.

And organisers have hailed the event a huge success.

Hundreds of people flocked to the session, staged at the Steeton site’s education centre.

Among them were new parents, mums-to-be and families, plus visitors interested in pursuing a career as a midwife.

There was the opportunity to chat to maternity staff and obtain information about the services available at the hospital.

An array of children’s activities was held to keep youngsters entertained, including a chocolate tombola and face painting, and a range of books was on sale.

Also, new and expectant mums and dads could sample some of the parent education classes Airedale offers.

Mary Armitage, the hospital’s head of nursing and midwifery in women’s and children’s services, was delighted with the success of the open day.

“All staff who work within maternity services do an amazing job every day and this was a brilliant showcase of everything they are capable of,” she said.

“We are so proud of our fantastic midwives and hope that everyone who visited the open day was able to see just what a great service we’re able to offer.

“My favourite part of the day was getting to meet babies who were born on the unit and had come back to visit.

“Our midwives provide a top-rated service during pregnancy, birth and beyond and our facilities are comfortable and welcoming.”

She says newly-pregnant mothers can contact the unit on 01535 292411 to arrange their first appointment.

She added: “A visitor to the open day who is expecting a baby left feedback saying she was looking forward to seeing members of staff she’d met that day when she comes onto the labour ward – and to start attending some of the education classes and groups.”

More than 2,000 babies are delivered at Airedale every year.

The unit includes antenatal and neonatal clinics, and an early pregnancy assessment unit as well as the labour and maternity wards.

There are also six community midwifery teams.

For more details, visit airedale-trust.nhs.uk/services/maternity-services.