NEWBORN Cameron Gwilt and mum Gemma, from Blackwood, were in the best possible hands as the first mum and baby to benefit from the Royal Gwent Hospital's new midwifery-led care unit.

Weighing in at 8lb 4oz, Cameron was born yesterday morning, in time to mark the official opening of a unit promoting natural aspects of childbirth, with minimal medical intervention, unless necessary.

The opening coincides with confirmation that midwife care offered Gwent mums-to-be is among the United Kingdom's best.

The South Gwent Community Midwifery Team and colleagues at Caerphilly Birth Centre have been shortlisted for the UK Team of the Year by the British Journal of Midwifery.

"To have two teams on a shortlist of three is incredible and we are very proud. It's a tribute to their hard work in the community and hospital to ensure women have all the support they need," said Carole Garrick, Gwent Healthcare Trust's head of midwifery and directorate manager of obstetrics and gynaecology.

"It's an exciting time because maternity services across Wales are getting a higher profile, and because this unit builds on the success of Caerphilly Birth Centre in offering more mums-to-be midwife-led care."

Christened the Coldra Unit, it has 15 beds and will give mums-to-be the widest choices in support offered in medical care, community care and social need.