New mothers have voted Airedale Hospital to be one of the "kindest and most dignified" in the country.

They praised the quality of care at the hospital's maternity department in a survey published by the Healthcare Commission.

They awarded top marks for being treated with kindness and dignity and excellent communication with midwives.

Kath Walsh, head of midwifery services, said: "Our staff work very hard to provide the best possible service and environment for new mothers and their babies.

"We have a very committed, professional team and these results show our doctors, midwives and support staff are very good at communicating and supporting mums during this very important time.

"Our staff spend a lot of time explaining what care will be given before and during labour and if our midwives communicate well and spend time with their patients then we feel these women will be able to make the best possible informed choices about their labour and delivery."

Responses nationally came from 26,000 women who gave birth in January and February 2007, making it the largest ever survey of maternity experience.

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