THE FIRST baby has been born at the UK’s newest hospital.

Mona Lisa Yonas arrived at 08.00am on November 6 at the Midland Metropolitan Hospital.

The uniquely named tot is the first to be delivered at the new “super hospital” in Smethwick.

Mona Lisa’s parents, Semhar Tesfu and Yonas Kflu, from 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.”

Mona Lisa’s arrival came as the Maternity Department at City Hospital Birmingham closed and the maternity service moved to the new healthcare facility.

She certainly has an iconic nameShe certainly has an iconic name (Image: Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust) Midwife Emily, who 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.”

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 being just two days old.

Since Mona Lisa’s arrival, three more babies have been born at the Midland Met since the maternity services moved there.