A record number of babies were born at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) in 2024.
Between January 1 and December 31, there were 6,452 babies delivered, surpassing the previous record of 6,139 set in 2022.
Obstetrics and Gynecology Department Head Dr. Tracey Crumley called the numbers "astounding."
"We're thrilled to have welcomed so many new lives into the world last year. It’s a testament to the hard work of our women’s care and children’s hospital teams, and to the trust our patients and families place in us," said Dr. Crumley.
Included in the total, 135 sets of twins and six sets of triplets were delivered.
The hospital said Fridays were the busiest day of the week and July was the busiest month of the year.
On average, LHSC saw the arrival of 17 babies each day, with the most being 22.
LHSC supports the care and delivery of babies across southwestern Ontario -- including high-risk patients from across the province.
In 2024, approximately 69 per cent of patients who delivered babies at LHSC were residents of London, 11 per cent were from Middlesex County, 19 per cent were from southwestern Ontario and one per cent hailed from elsewhere.
“From obstetricians and anesthesiologists, to midwives, nurses, personal support workers, aides, residents and registration clerks, it was truly all-hands-on-deck,” said Dr. Crumley. “The collaboration between our various teams has been nothing short of remarkable, and we’re looking forward to welcoming more little ones into the world together in 2025.”
LHSC has about 420 specialized staff working in the obstetrics, postpartum, neonatal, midwifery and other supportive units.