STAFF at Hinchingbrooke Hospital had to deal with an unexpected lunchtime delivery on Friday when a woman started giving birth in the revolving doors. Sharon Briggs was already in labour when she reached the main entrance of the hospital, and within minut

STAFF at Hinchingbrooke Hospital had to deal with an unexpected lunchtime delivery on Friday when a woman started giving birth in the revolving doors.

Sharon Briggs was already in labour when she reached the main entrance of the hospital, and within minutes had given birth on a mat in the reception area. Baby Harrison, who weighed 6lb 14oz, had to be delivered by a nurse as the midwife did not make it down to reception in time.

Miss Briggs, 24, who works as a service administrator in Peterborough, told The Hunts Post she was "shell shocked" by the unusual circumstances of the delivery.

She said: "It all happened so quickly. I didn't realise how close I was to giving birth. I thought I had lots of time to spare as with my first son I was in labour for 26 hours, but this time the labour only lasted four and a half hours."

The mother-of-two went into labour at home, but did not expect such a rapid arrival of a new son.

She added: "When it all started I rang the hospital and they told me to take a bath and relax before making my way to them. When I got out of the bath my contractions were every minute and my partner, Alistair, decided to drive me to Hinchingbrooke. By the time I got out of the car and into the revolving doors of the hospital the baby's head was out."

Staff at the hospital ran to the aid of the expectant mother and stopped the revolving doors to prevent other people from entering while the baby was delivered.

Miss Briggs, who lives in Yaxley, said: "The staff at the hospital were absolutely amazing, very professional and calm. I knew I was in very safe hands.

"When I arrived at the hospital I was making quite a lot of noise and everyone in the cafeteria was looking at me. At the time I didn't care but now I feel quite embarrassed."

Miss Briggs, who grew up in Alconbury, said she had made a deliberate choice to give birth at Hinchingbrooke Hospital instead of Peterborough.

She said: "My first son Taylor was born at the hospital and my mum used to work there. I would not have gone anywhere else as I believe Hinchingbrooke is a superb hospital.

"I would like to thank all the staff at the hospital who supported me during the birth of Harrison."

Director of human resources at Hinchingbrooke, Karen Charman, said: "This is yet another example of our excellent team of staff working together across the hospital in the best interests of the patients.