"Please be proud of your outstanding care and compassion"

Last year I gave birth to my baby boy (my third child). Literally from beginning to end, I had the most outstanding, amazing care from Aberdeen Maternity Hospital. 

Firstly, I was admitted to Maternity Triage  (the day after moved to Rubislaw) due to a severe UTI. Throughout my stay, the staff were absolutely amazing, couldn't do enough, kept me up to date with everything that they were doing, and how my condition was. Doctors, HCSW, midwives and domestics were truly outstanding. 

Throughout my pregnancy - which was tough, I was treated with the upmost compassion, my fears and concerns were taken onboard, especially by the consultants within the day clinics, and all the staff at various admissions within my pregnancy. 

I was admitted with pre-eclampsia - which was dealt with right from the off at the day clinic, and followed up at triage that night before I was admitted. I was admitted for the week pre-delivery to Summerfield ward. To say that the staff within that ward, go above and beyond is an understatement. They just understood that I was nervous (with the ongoing situation) and how much I missed my family at home (we stay over an hour away from the hospital). But all the staff just became my support network, listened to my fears, if I had anything of concern going on, they would call the doctors and consultants. Kept on top of everything - which I know is so difficult, given how busy the wards are. You always felt like a priority.

I gave birth to my baby boy via planned c-section. And previously, I was quite worried as I had one previously (so the nerves of knowing what was coming was setting in). But in all honesty, the staff on the labour ward and within the theatre, quickly calmed me down and put me at ease and it was the most special moment. I couldn't put into words what they did that day.

During being in recovery, my baby boy began to struggle and was swiftly monitored and taken to the neonatal unit. Due to the quick action of the midwives and consultants on the recovery unit, my boy was quickly on the road to recovery. The neonatal unit, as like the rest of the hospital, were truly amazing. They went above and beyond as well, to care for our family and our sick little boy. The support we had was amazing. It felt like a little family.

The only very minor criticism (feedback) I would possibly give is that after a doctor's round has finished and any changes has happened with your baby, a changes sheet would be very handy. Documented from either the neonatal nurse or the consultant to say if they are making any changes to care or if they are requiring any procedures. We were kept in the dark for some of our boy's care, and felt that this could be really beneficial to parents who are eager to find out of any developments or changes to their baby's care. Although, consultants were all too ready to come and talk to you if you had any queries, which I didn't like to do and take them away from other important work - if it was all documented clearly and easily for parents to read.

Within my postnatal stay, I was extremely supported by the staff in the Summerfield and neonatal wards, due a very difficult and stressful time for myself and my family. Hormones kicked in and my emotions were absolutely everywhere, but the staff within the wards grounded me, and listened to any concerns or questions that I had, which was absolutely valuable to myself and family. 

I know this is a very long winded feedback story but I literally could talk and talk forever on how I and my family were so well cared for throughout my pregnancy and postnatally. I literally can't put into words, how thankful we are. I'm welling up typing this, just bursting with admiration and how grateful I am to have such an amazing part of our NHS. 

I couldn't write down everyone's names that I came into contact with as I probably was in the care of most staff within the Maternity Hospital at some point in my pregnancy, but please pass on this feedback to all staff with all parts of the maternity hospital. Please be proud of your outstanding care and compassion. You all deserve the world.