120 babies put in an early appearance

Dozens of babies across the area were so keen to come into the world they did not let their mums get to the labour ward before making their appearance.

In 2008, 120 babies were born in an unplanned way at either Rochdale Infirmary, Fairfield General, the Oldham Royal Infirmary, or North Manchester.

The previous year 115 youngsters made their appearance not in the expected designated labour bed as the proud parents had planned. Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the hospitals said last year 81 babies arrived at home unexpectedly, 15 were born on an anti-natal or postnatal ward, six on wards, one in A&E and 17 came into the world on the way to the hospital.

Cathy Trinick, head of midwifery at The Pennine Acute Hospitals Trust, said: “In 2007- 08 the Trust delivered the most births nationally, almost 11,000. In 2008 10,874 babies were delivered Trustwide, including 3,102 at the Royal Oldham Hospital.

Nationally almost 4,000 women across England gave birth somewhere other than a designated maternity bed last year — up from 3,500 in 2007.

Figures include three babies born in corridors, 10 in car parks, 63 in ambulances and 117 in accident and emergency departments.

Care Services Minister Phil Hope said providing high quality, safe care for mothers and babies is a key priority for government.

“We recognise that some parts of the country face particular challenges due to the rising birth rates and that is why last year we pledged to increase funding for maternity by £330 million over three years and we expect to see 4,000 extra midwives by 2012.