Buns in the oven produce bakers dozen (From Sutton Guardian)

Buns in the oven produce bakers dozen at Epsom and St Helier hospitals

3:10pm Friday 4th January 2013 in News By Hardeep Matharu

Epsom and St Helier hospitals welcomed more than a dozen New Year babies.

Midwives, doctors and maternity staff delivered 13 babies at the hospitals on the first day of 2013 – a trio of baby boys at Epsom and five boys and five girls at St Helier.

Gina Brockwell, one of the hospital trust’s lead midwives, said: "It was a very busy day for everyone on Tuesday and we are absolutely delighted to have helped bring 13 very special people into the world on New Year’s Day. 

"Having a baby is always very special for parents and their loved ones, and it’s always an honour to be involved in their care and delivery. 

"But welcoming a new addition to the family on New Year’s Day is a very special way of kicking off the year."

Figures from the trust show that between January and October last year, Epsom and St Helier welcomed 4,539 babies into the world – the busiest 12 months ever for the hospitals’ maternity departments.

Ms Brockwell added: "We are incredibly pleased to see more and more people choosing to give birth at our hospitals, and believe these increasing numbers reflect the hard work, dedication and compassion of our staff. 

"We help parents-to-be from across the local area, including neighbouring towns such as Croydon and Leatherhead. 

"Parents-to-be often hear very positive stories from their friends and family about our services and choose to deliver their babies with our maternity team."