Births mark end of an era and a new start

Abby Kenny was the last child to be born at the Simpson Memorial Maternity Pavilion at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary in the south of the city.

Just ten minutes later, Josh Clyde became the first new arrival at the Simpson Centre for Reproductive Health at the capital’s new infirmary at Little France.

The two births marked a special day in the history of Edinburgh’s renowned hospitals. As the delivery ward at the historic city centre unit closed its doors, Yvonne and Stuart Kenny, from Penicuik, Midlothian, said they were overwhelmed by all the attention following the birth of their daughter.

Abby arrived at 11:44am on Saturday weighing 6lb 13.5oz after her mother was taken into hospital at 2am.

Mrs Kenny, 18, a first-time mother and a sales assistant, said the experience had been fantastic and was an early birthday present for her.

She said: “I am feeling really tired right now. It is very exciting that our little Abby will be part of history. I did not realise the significance of today, but it is really exciting to have my first baby.

“I went to the midwife yesterday and she said I would probably have to be induced on my birthday next week. But Abby is the best birthday present I could ever wish for.”

Mr Kenny, 28, who was present throughout the birth, said: “This is just magnificent. It will be something else to remember this day by. This tops everything off”

Over at the new 184 million ERI, Claire Clydesdale, 27, and Martin Clyde, 30, from Bonnyrigg, Midlothian, were celebrating the birth of their second boy, Josh.

Ms Clydesdale was taken to the new unit just ten minutes after it opened. She also has a six-year-old son, Michael, who was born at the old Simpson unit.

She said: “I don’t think he knows what is going on right now but he seems to enjoy the media spotlight.

“He was due to arrive six days ago so we expected to go into the old hospital.”

Josh, who weighed 8lb 3oz, was born at 11:54am on Saturday.

Liz Addie and Cheryl Walsh, the midwives, said they were very proud to be involved with the birth of the first child at the specialist unit. Miss Addie said: “Everything went according to plan and I am very proud to say I helped deliver the first baby at the new unit.”

Suites at the new unit contain some of the latest medical technology. Mothers can give birth in their own room, which has a television, a shower and toilet.

The Simpson Memorial Maternity Pavilion, based at the old Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, was opened in 1936.

It is estimated more than 300,000 babies were born there.