Service now improved.

Since 1993, substantial changes have taken place within the obstetrics and gynaecology department at Gateshead's Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

A new consultant Mani Das was appointed to head the team and over the last seven years five new consultants have joined him.

The new team has introduced a range of measures to improve the service. New guidelines and protocols have been introduced to cover all aspects of treatment. Chiefs have introduced an early pregnancy assessment unit for any abnormalities that may occur.

A spokesman for Gateshead Health NHS Trust said: "Innovations have been very well-received by patients. The department was ranked highly when assessed as part of a national risk-assessment scheme for trusts."