Kingston hospital celebrated this year's International Day of the Midwife on May 5 by taking a closer look at the work done by its midwife team.

In a video released on YouTube this week, midwives at the hospital open up about what attracted them to the job and the most important parts of their work.

"When I think of midwifery I think of it as an eternal job, almost the oldest profession in the world, that's what I like about it really" one interviewee said.

"I feel honoured to be with women when they birth their babies, as its such a special time for their families and such an important experience," said another.

The International Day of the Midwife was set up in 1992 by the International Confederation of Midwives to celebrate and recognise the work of midwives across the world.

More than 50 countries took part in the 2021 celebration, which had the theme "Follow the Data: Invest in Midwives."

On their website, the Royal College of Midwives said: "For International Day of the Midwife this year we are taking stock of all the incredible work midwives and maternity staff have provided during a global crisis, while calling for proper recognition and fair reward.

"Over the past year, midwives, maternity support workers and student midwives have met extraordinary circumstances and risked their lives to provide excellent care to women and their families.

"Now is the time to not only celebrate how they've been there for our communities throughout the pandemic, but to show up for them in calls to the Government to put money where it counts and invest in maternity."