York Hospital is experiencing a baby boom with a difference - all seven mums-to-be are nurses and work on the same ward.

The nurses, who all work on orthopaedic trauma ward 28, have been announcing the news of their imminent maternity since October.

Ward sister Elaine Wright said nurse Vicky Angel was the first to announce her pregnancy, followed by colleague Lisa Lamour. After that, more and more nurses contributed to the mini baby-boom, including Elaine's deputy, Anne Tateson.

Elaine said it was incredible to have so many nurses pregnant at once. "Some patients believe that all the nurses must have sat on the same chair or there is something in the water, while others suggest that it's just because they are happy and content," she said.

"Everyone was delighted to hear the news, but each announcement came as a complete surprise."

Six out of seven of the nurses are first-time mums, and all will give birth in the hospital's maternity department.

A patient service assistant and a physiotherapist, both from ward 28, are also pregnant.

Luckily for Elaine, the babies are not all due at the same time, so the maternity leave will be staggered.

She said: "With so many staff leaving at once and eventually returning to work, most on reduced hours, there is an opportunity for the junior staff to develop their own careers."

Updated: 10:40 Tuesday, March 09, 2004