ALLISTON, ONTARIO - Stevenson Memorial Hospital is delighted to announce that Dylan Thomas Elliott is the first baby born in the newly re-opened Birthing Unit at the Alliston hospital.

Dylan made his appearance at 10.44 am, on April 26, 2008. He is the first son and second child of Jennifer and Ryan Elliott of Alliston. Baby Dylan weighed in at a very healthy 8 pounds 14.5 ounces. He had a large gathering of family waiting at the hospital when he was delivered by Natalie Wright, a midwife with Caring Hands Midwifery Services and Mel Beaver, a student midwife.

"It is a great experience with midwives and it's nice for the birthing services to be back in town where family can be present and be supportive," said mother, Jennifer Elliott.

The Elliotts had their first child, Victoria, at SMH and Ryan Elliott said they were hoping their second birth could be at SMH.

"We were hoping for Alliston all the time, because we had Victoria here and it was such a good experience," the proud father stated.

Each birth is celebrated at SMH, but this one had special significance as it was the first birth since the unit re-opened after a 16-month closure.

"Our entire hospital is thrilled about the birth of Dylan," said Gary Ryan, Interim President and CEO of SMH. "We offer our congratulations and best wishes to the Elliott family and thank staff, the midwives and our obstetrician for all their efforts towards this joyous occasion."

In order to re-open a sustainable Birthing Unit, Stevenson Memorial implemented the recommendations of an Expert Panel appointed by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. Maternal Child services were integrated with Southlake Regional Health Centre and nursing staff refreshed their skills at Southlake. In addition, the unit was refurbished and the SMH Foundation began fundraising for $312,000 worth of equipment. In March, Dr. Alison Barrett was hired as the lead obstetrician. The Birthing Unit re-opened on April 21, 2008.

"Just as there were three generations of the Elliott family here for Dylan's birth, Stevenson Memorial Hospital hopes to provide birthing services for many generations to come and we know we can accomplish this with the help of our community," Gary Ryan said. "We welcome Dylan Thomas Elliott and wish him every good thing life has to offer!"

The Elliott family received flowers from the hospital, a gift basket from Beeton Pharmacy and a gift certificate from the SMH Auxiliary.

Parents Jennifer and Ryan Elliott and big sister Victoria, cuddling Dylan Thomas Elliott. Dylan's grandmother Cynthia Elliott (Sixth from right, behind Ryan), great grandparents Eric and Betty Wagner (far left at rear), Natalie Wright, the midwife who delivered Dylan ( fourth left) and Mel Beaver, midwifery student, were joined by nurses, hospital staff and Dr. Alison Barrett in the happy celebration.

Dylan Thomas Elliott with the flowers and bear from the SMH administration and staff.