PERHAPS they should rename it the "orthopaedic trauma ward and fertility unit".

No fewer than seven nurses on ward 28 of York Hospital are pregnant.

To have so many mums-to-be must cause a few logistical headaches. Ward sister Elaine Wright is juggling maternity leaves; nurse uniforms must be let out as each bump grows; and the hospital canteen will have to cater for some unusual meal requests.

Moreover, every pregnant woman due to give birth at the hospital will take confidence from the fact that the magnificent seven are all going "in-house".

Updated: 10:58 Tuesday, March 09, 2004