First set of triplets born at new hospital

There was a special delivery of three baby girls at the UK’s newest hospital - the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital - when identical triplets were born.

Luna, Theia and Nephele were born at the ultra-modern Smethwick hospital just a day after the maternity department moved from City Hospital in Birmingham.

Parents Tessa and Patrick, who live locally, were delighted with their new arrivals, which were delivered by C-section by a team of paediatricians, midwives, neonatal nurses and theatre staff.

Each baby, weighing 4lb 1oz, 4lb and 3lb 3oz, was assigned their own healthcare professional to care for them as they entered the world.

Mum Tessa said: “We are overjoyed with the birth of our beautiful baby girls. It’s been an amazing morning and we can’t wait to get to know them. The care has been outstanding at the hospital and the facilities have made it such a comfortable experience.”

Midwife Cynthia Okello, said: “It’s been a truly amazing morning at new hospital’s maternity department.

“This is our first set of triplets and we’re all happy as all three were successful deliveries.

“They are all a good weight and don’t need any respiratory support. One triplet is being cared for in the neonatal unit due to her size, whilst the other two are being cared for with their mum.

“To facilitate this delivery we’ve had a bigger team, and needed three sets of neonatal doctors, senior house officers, registrars, midwives, neonatal nurses as well as obstetricians and operating department practitioners. It’s been a busy but remarkable morning.”

The maternity department moved from City Hospital in a carefully planned transfer operation.

Neonatal babies were also transferred to the new unit at the new hospital.

Out of the 25 babies who were moved, 13 were neonatal, and each required a meticulous care plan to ensure their safe arrival.

Meanwhile, the last baby to be born at City Hospital, a baby girl, was transferred to the Midland Met at around 1.30pm along with her mum Asha Rani.

City Hospital Maternity Department is now closed.

Pictured: Maternity staff with the triplets who were delivered at the Midland Met