Borders labour ward's firstborn returns for 30th anniversary celebration

It's 30 years this month since the labour ward at the Borders General Hospital at Melrose was opened, and to mark that milestone, it invited back its first customers '“ David Szatylowicz and his mum Sonya, both of Galashiels.
David and his mum Sonya Szatylowicz with senior charge midwife Nicky Gammie at the Borders General Hospital's labour ward.David and his mum Sonya Szatylowicz with senior charge midwife Nicky Gammie at the Borders General Hospital's labour ward.
David and his mum Sonya Szatylowicz with senior charge midwife Nicky Gammie at the Borders General Hospital's labour ward.

David was born on August 1, 1988 at 2.55pm weighing just over 9lb.

David and Sonya took with them a gift bag for the first baby born 30 years later.

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Sonya said: “Being the first mum to give birth at the BGH was a very memorable experience.

“I was actually getting a tour of the labour ward on its opening day when I went into labour with my son David.”

“I felt very special and cared for throughout my hospital stay. Everything was fantastic.

“The staff were really attentive, from the midwives to the lady who came round with the tea trolley.”

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Nicky Berry, associate director of nursing and head of midwifery, added: “It was lovely that the BGH’s first mum and baby visited to celebrate the 30th anniversary of our labour ward.

“Their generous gift was so thoughtful and special to the baby born 30 years later.

“In the past 30 years, midwifery has developed in many ways. However, mothers and babies have always been at the centre of these developments.

“The team within NHS Borders maternity services is committed to delivering the highest quality of care for our women, babies and their families.”