Scarborough 'living legend' midwife retires after delivering 1,343 babies

Patsy Harriman is described by her colleagues as a "living legend" after her 46-year career

A Scarborough midwife who has delivered over 1,300 babies in her 46-year career has finally retired.

Patsy Harriman started out in 1977 and she kept a note of each of the 1,343 babies she delivered over the years.

Bosses at York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said she had provided "fantastic care to generations of women and their families".

Meanwhile, her colleagues described her as "a living legend".

Ms Harriman, who has retired as a labour ward coordinator, lived in the North Yorkshire seaside town her whole life, the trust said.

'Truly inspiring'

One of the babies she delivered in 1988 is now also a labour ward coordinator in Scarborough, trust bosses added.

"Her breadth of knowledge and skill was truly inspiring," said one colleague.

"She ran a tight ship with care and compassion, taking a huge amount of pride in her work."

Ms Harriman "welcomed new staff with open arms", they added.

"She made everyone feel welcome with her homemade pork pies, beautiful hand knitting and amazing ability to manage a kitty on nights out.

"We'd see all the sights of the Scarborough seafront on only £20," they said.