World Safety Patient Day took place on September 17th.

The day was dedicated to prioritising and addressing safety in maternal and newborn care.

North Cumbria Integrated Care have helped women over the last eighteen months with this special time in their lives.

Earlier this year, the Trust opened its first neonatal transitional care areas for babies who require some additional hospital care.

Lyn Durrant, Assistant Director of Nursing for Children and Young People at NCIC, said: "The aim of the neonatal transitional care ward is to keep mothers and babies together, despite the additional medical interventions that the babies will be receiving.

"We know that early bonding between parents and their babies is so important, and we always try to encourage this where possible."

The new areas were developed at West Cumberland Hospital and The Cumberland Infirmary.

Having access to this service helps to support stronger bonding as the babies no longer need to be separated from their mothers while having care.

These places are staffed by well trained nurses to provide support for babies like tube feeding and antibiotics.

The new pathway is part of a national drive and part of the Trust’s Maternity Improvement Plan.