THE controversial rebirth of a maternity hospital as a midwifery led unit has been marked with the arrival of two baby boys.

The new centre took over at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton this week after consultant led services transferred to Middlesbrough following a two year battle. Within hours two mothers had “christened” the new unit.

Nursery nurse Lisa Schofield and husband Andrew, of Aiskew near Bedale,were overjoyed when Oscar was the first to arrive.

He’s their third child following Oliver, six and three year old Sydney. Lisa said Sydney had been born at the Friarage and she was adamant baby number three would be delivered there too.

She said: “I was aware that Oscar was due as the change to a midwife led unit was due to take place, but the staff were fantastic. Absolutely brilliant. The main difference I noticed is that now you have a room to yourself.”

Baby Thompson, who is yet to be named, arrived a few hours later, a second son for Rebecca and Chris. Human Resources advisor Rebecca, from Ingleby Barwick was also determined to have her second baby at Northallerton.

She said: “Cameron was born at the Friarage, as it was the nearest available maternity bed on the day, and as soon as I knew I was expecting again I put this unit down as my first choice.

“The level of care I received on both occasions has been outstanding, nothing was too much trouble. This is how a maternity unit should be friendly, personable and caring , mums-to-be need to be reassured that it is staffed by highly competent and deeply caring staff.”

Friarage Midwife Manager Deborah Hebblethwaite added: “It was a strange day in that it felt new, but it was capped off with the delivery of two lovely little boys. We are all looking forward to continuing to provide the care for lots of mothers and their babies.”