Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust opened the new state-of-the-art theatre unit in Maternity in mid-August and has now welcomed the first baby born there.
On Wednesday 24th August 2022, Rachel O’Brien and Kevin Sibson welcomed Charlie Kevin Sibson via elective caesarean, weighing 7lb 10oz by consultant Dr Mei Liew, being the first baby born in the brand-new theatre unit.
Rachel O’Brien said “The experience was wonderful; I couldn’t fault any of the staff who helped deliver Charlie. They all made me feel calm and relaxed through the whole surgery.
“Being the first person to give birth in the theatre was amazing, it was extremely clean and spacious and the whole experience was enjoyable.
“My previous birth was by emergency caesarean section so I was extremely glad to have a much calmer birth this time round and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.
“Thank you to all of the staff who helped deliver Charlie and for the care we received.”
Consultant Dr Liew said “It was a pleasure to be the consultant who delivered baby Charlie and to be the first one to use the brand-new theatre unit. This will make such a difference to patient experience and the care we can provide for elective caesareans.
“The whole team has worked extremely hard to get to this point and I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds for maternity.”
The new theatre is the second theatre room at Gateshead Health and will allow the maternity unit to safely manage the increasing number of operations required, as well as reduce delays for mothers waiting for planned caesarean sections.
Congratulations to Rachel and Kevin on the birth of their son Charlie Kevin Sibson.