IT took two years of hard labour, but Fairfield Hospital's new £2.5 million maternity unit is now fully open.

The new purpose-built department was formally opened by the Prime Minister's wife, Cherie Booth QC, who was born at Fairfield Hospital, in early April although it was not fully operational until last week.

The state-of-the art maternity unit comprises two floors, housing the gynaecology and ante-natal outpatient clinic at ground level, and the ante-natal and post-natal wards upstairs.

Kath Ryan, head of midwifery, said: "The new maternity unit is far superior to the old one and the environment is dramatically improved.

"It is a modern facility where we can offer more outpatient services which are delivered fast and efficiently. "It is also more private with ensuite facilities and more sensitive to patients' needs. It is more welcoming."

More than 2,500 babies are born in the hospital every year. Presently the Bury Health Care NHS Trust is bidding for a grant for a new delivery suite. More patient services are to be introduced later this year.

"The feedback we have had from mums who have used the old maternity unit and this one has been very positive," said Mrs Ryan. "One even commented that it was paradise!"

Around 110 staff, ranging from midwives to support and clerical staff, run the wards with eight specialist consultants.

"This unit has also been a great morale booster for the medical teams, who have had an input in the planning stages. It really is a leading department with all the facilities you would expect," said Mrs Ryan.