The first baby has been born at the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital – the UK’s newest hospital.
Mona Lisa Yonas was welcomed into the world at 8.48am on 6 November – when the Maternity Department at City Hospital Birmingham closed and the maternity service moved to the new healthcare facility.
Parents Semhar Tesfu and Yonas Kflu of Perry Barr said: “Today has been emotional. We are very happy our newborn baby girl was born in the new hospital.
“We really appreciate the great job the midwives have done and want to say thank you to everyone who helped to deliver our baby safely.”
Midwife Emily delivered Mona Lisa. She said: “It’s been an honour and a privilege to deliver the first baby here this morning at the new Midland Met. This is an exciting day that I will remember for the rest of my career.”
Three babies have been born so far since the move from 7am today (6 November).
Expectant parents who are in labour or need emergency care must now go to the Midland Met, following the closure of the Maternity Department at City Hospital.
Some outpatient appointments will be held at the new hospital, including scans and those scheduled with consultants.
Meanwhile, the antenatal clinic in Hallam Street, at the former Sandwell Hospital site remains open for outpatient appointments as do other community venues such as the Aston Pride Community Healthcare Centre, in Aston, Birmingham.
The Neonatal Department was also transferred over to the Midland Met, seeing 12 babies moved. The youngest moved was only two days old.