Archive Hour: Helensburgh baby began a new era in 2004

Gaynor and Gavin Jakeman's baby boy Cameron Martin was the first to be born at the hospital's new community maternity unit.

Here's how we reported the news in the Advertiser on July 15, 2004...

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THE first baby has been born since the birth of the community maternity unit at the Vale of Leven Hospital.

Proud parents Gaynor and Gavin Jakeman welcomed baby Cameron Martin into the world at the new £720,000 centre which was officially opened last month.

They were full of praise for the midwife-led unit.

Gaynor, who lives in Helensburgh, said: “Due to the early arrival, combined with my husband working at sea, we had not been able to visit the new community maternity unit prior to the morning of the birth, and were therefore unsure what to expect.

“Any worries we might have had however were quickly put to rest when we arrived and shown around the wonderful facilities.”

The health board has been criticised for withdrawing consultant-led care from the site, which means many women have to travel to Glasgow or Paisley to deliver their babies.

Pictured are mum and dad Gaynor and Gavin with baby Cameron, with sister Karen McGilvary and student midwife Ceri Staples.