"Maternity staff are simply exceptional"

Where do I start? I delivered my fourth and final baby in CAH delivery suite this week, under the care, guidance and instruction of the wonderful midwives. As expected, the care I received from beginning to end was simply exceptional. 

I was brought into the induction bay at 39 weeks pregnant owing to the fact my baby was measuring big and I had a diagnosis of gestational diabetes. I was greeted by Ashleigh who had contacted me earlier that day to make  arrangements. Ashleigh had spent the time listening to my concerns over the phone earlier that day regarding my son who has autism and I was worried about leaving. Ashleigh was kind, caring and compassionate and it was lovely to meet her and be under her care in the induction bay for a short period of time.

Orla took over from Ashleigh for the night shift and was just lovely in providing the care I required for the few hours during the night until I was brought round to a delivery room. 

I was brought round to a delivery room and was allowed the time to settle in before my waters were broken. Unfortunately I cannot remember the name of the lovely midwife who spent a brief few hours with me that morning but she too was wonderful in reassuring me that all was well with baby, myself and the whole process that was about to occur.

It was also really lovely to see Geraldine, the sister who had help deliver my 3rd baby the previous year. All the staff on the night shift that I encountered took the time to have a quick chat and just provide general reassurance about what was happening. 

The day staff then arrived to take over my care. I was assigned Fionnuala and student midwife Joanne - well how lucky was I? Fionnuala is one of those people who will hold a special place in my heart for the genuine care she provided me with during labour.

She was simply exceptional. Her way in which she guided me through labour and looked after me was second to none. Her very presence in the room reassured me that everything was going to be ok and she just made me feel like I could tackle anything in this world - even though I was really struggling through the pain! She listened to my concerns, she suggested changes that really helped, she reassured me that I was doing amazing and she just done the very best job. Nothing was a problem to her, she just made me feel so, so safe knowing that she was looking after me and guiding me through it all.

Things progressed quite quickly and baby made a speedy and dramatic entrance into the world - again, Fionnuala guided me through this and even when things got a little bit more complicated, knowing she was there provided me with the reassurance not to worry. It was very simple things like a wee ‘it’s ok’ look or nod even though I knew at the time it probably wasn’t. Joanne also provided great care and reassurance throughout. She will make an exceptional midwife when qualified. Both girls just listened and nothing was ever too much trouble - it was very much about me throughout and I felt so genuinely cared about. The sister in charge who helped during and post delivery also was exceptional and I felt very safe knowing I was under the care of such a wonderful team. I unfortunately did not get the names of the two doctors who assisted the midwives post delivery but they were really lovely and made sure any issues were addressed immediately.

Following delivery I was moved to the ward by the lovely Catherine and Joanne and I was sad to realise that was my last ever experience under the wonderful team in the delivery suite. The team in the ward were kind and caring and provided excellent care over the next day.

I can’t rate the post natal wards as to be honest I find 4 to a bay overwhelming and exhausting,  but that is no fault of the staff. It’s just difficult to rest with 4 wee babies and mummy’s in a very small space. But I am by no means complaining, the team do an amazing job in busy circumstances. Again, simply nothing was too much bother for anyone. Even though it was busy, the team found time to care for everyone as individuals. Special thanks to Rebecca for making arrangements to allow me home to collect my other children. 

Thank you SHSCT for CAH for the care over the last ten years. Your midwives are what makes the experience. Your staff are simply exceptional and at a time when the NHS is facing nothing but criticism, you realise what an amazing job the staff are doing behind the scenes to care for each and every patient they encounter.

Thanks again to all in the induction, delivery and post natal wards. You are all amazing and I will look back at this time of my life with the fondest of memories.