Public Health Week launched into full swing yesterday as the maternity unit at the King Edward Memorial Hospital threw its doors open to the general public, offering a plethora of information on all the stages of pregnancy.

World Health Day takes place tomorrow, with the theme this year being "healthy mothers and babies" ? a subject which has been at the centre of a host of events over the last two days with more functions scheduled for the rest of the week.

Under the direction of programme manager Roxanne Kipps-Jackson, a team of 53 employees in the hospital maternity ward ? made up of nurses, midwives, nursing assistants and administrators ? is responsible for the safe delivery of approximately 842 babies every year.

The Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) is then tasked with an initial assessment of all babies born at the hospital, with some, especially those that are premature, requiring additional clinical care and attention.

A steady stream of mothers-to-be made their way to the open house on the Gosling ward yesterday, with a number of nurses on hand to offer advice on a wide-range of topics including nutrition during pregnancy, the various stages of foetal development, breast feeding and general safety tips for children around the home.

Representatives from the Child Development Programme were also on hand to offer their input.

Speaking to , CDP coordinator Jennifer Manders explained the organisation's role was to work with the parents of all pre-school children who are born at the hospital, ensuring their offspring are meeting their "developmental milestones".

Formed in 1978, the CDP now has a staff of 22 who assist children overcome all sorts of health challenges from cerebral palsy, autism, speech impediments and physical abnormalities.

"We have a dedicated staff who do a lot of important work," Ms Manders said. "It is important for all parents to know that we have a broad range of expertise at our disposal and we can be on hand to help whenever we are needed."

Meanwhile, Acting Health Minister Walter Lister called on the community to embrace PHW, arguing that the issues under discussion had a direct impact on all Bermudians.

He was also quick to praise local health practitioners for putting on such an "exciting" array of events over the course of the week.

"We are all touched by public health concerns on a daily basis and for this reason, we must remember that public health is all about us."