A SPECIAL event to celebrate the link between midwives and soon-to-be mums is set to take place next week.

Maternity staff based at Barrow's Furness General Hospital are encouraging pregnant women to join them on a walk for International Midwives Day.

The event, set to go ahead at 10.30am on May 5, will include a short walk setting off from the hospital and the chance for those taking part to chat to midwives about the services on offer from the hospital's maternity unit.

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Sascha Wells, director and head of midwifery with the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Trust - FGH's parent organisation, said the theme for International Midwives Day this year was 'midwives, mothers and 'families: partners for life'.

"Midwives at UHMBT play a crucial role in maternal and child health and the International Day of the Midwife is an important day to share the essential services they provide.

"We must ensure every woman and every newborn child has timely access to the best possible care before, during and after pregnancy and child birth.

"I would like to the opportunity to thank and celebrate, not only our midwives who work across Morecambe Bay, but across the UK and around the world."

Michelle Littlejohn, the trust's public health midwifeadded: "Walking is great exercise to do during pregnancy.

"Ladies will benefit from the exercise while having the opportunity to chat to midwives about the all services we offer."

Anyone who hopes to take part in the walk is asked to arrive shortly before 10.30am, to bring water and to wear appropriate, comfortable shoes.

Refreshments will be provided after the walk.

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