"Person centred care, support and going above and beyond"

Hi there,

I’d like to send compliments to a few members of staff who supported me during the birth of my first baby at Scarborough hospital . Particularly to Denise who was my midwife and someone I will never forget or be able to thank enough. Doctor Natasha was also fantastic and so was Helen, another midwife who supported me for a while before Denise was free.

Firstly, Natasha went above and beyond to explain the risk to baby in a very clear and calm manner during the morning rounds. Clearly seeing that I was nervous and reluctant for intervention, Natasha got down to my level and very calmly and clearly explained the options, recommendations and why. I felt important and like the necessary time was taken to ensure Natasha was confident I understood.

As time progressed babies heart rate dipped so I was taken to a room where Denise supported me into different positions and baby’s heart rate improved. During this time I was also support by Helen and Natasha who were helping me with an canula and the use of gas and air. Both were again explaining what was happening, why and taking great care as they had all read my notes and seen I had a phobia of needles.

After baby’s heart rate settling we were able to see how I progressed naturally for a while, which was very quickly! Denise was 100% the most perfect midwife for me and supported me in ways that I can never thank her enough for. During the pain, distress and fear of the unknown, Denise stayed with me, held my hand, directly looked at me throughout contractions and coached me through breathing. I felt she was truly with me the whole time and my husband was also amazed at how she was so great with being present with me and reassuring me whilst also keeping a constant eye on baby’s obs, my obs and getting help when needed (due to baby’s heart rate etc)

When Dr Natasha was free again I was ready to push but due to baby’s heart rate she recommended an episiotomy and ventouse support. Again explaining very calmly why and seeking my consent at every stage, albeit at this point I was not in the best way. After the numbing Natasha recognised baby might not need the support and, again as per my birth plan, waited to see if I could birth without the intervention, which we did! Denise was professionally aware enough to stay with me at my head a rather than deliver baby as she clearly understood person centred care and knew I wanted her with me! Denise and Natasha then both stayed after their shift had finished to complete the delivery of the placenta and do as much as they could before handing over.

After delivery I think I was in shock and felt a bit traumatised. I think this was to do with sheer exhaustion and the speed of which things progressed. Baby had also pooed in my waters and I’d been diagnosed with Cholestasis a few days previously. Kim and Bethan who then supported me were very kind, attentive and reassuring and arranged for Denise to see me the next day for a debrief. Both Denise and Natasha came to me the next day and once again explained things so calmly and kindly, in a way I understood and I now feel confident with what happened, in what order and that I was supported with great patient care throughout!

I really cannot thank Denise enough and would love for both Denise and Natasha to be recognised for their person centred care and support and going above and beyond!