"Care and compassion and kindness"

I was admitted to Daisy Hill hospital with sepsis at 38 weeks pregnant. I was so sick and too ill and weak to be worried until I started feeling better. Phil was the staff midwife on duty and was so calm, kind and efficient. With the team of staff they had their golden hour protocol carried out within 40 minutes, reassuring myself and my husband every step of the way as to my health and, crucially, the health of my unborn baby. 

I was admitted to the maternity ward and before she clocked off 'Auntie' Phil made her way up to say goodnight. She joked with us and was so personable and lovely, it was so reassuring. 

A few days after I was discharged, I noticed a change to my baby's movements. On high alert after my sepsis recovery, I called the assessment unit at Daisy Hill and was both delighted and relieved when the midwife who answered identified herself as Phil. I had to tell her I was so happy she was the one to answer the phone! It really felt like I was going into the care of family.

I attended the unit and was immediately seen by Phil. During a tense time (few minutes) where the heartbeat of my baby was unable to be located, Phil reassured me, stayed with me, held my hand - as I was there alone as my husband was at work. It was truly so comforting and did not feel like a stranger. I felt safe. When the consultant successfully located the heartbeat and everything was fine, Phil was so kind, constantly reassuring me. Knowing exactly what to say and when to say it. She also called to my husband who I had on the phone at this stage and was laughing and reassuring him that all was well and I was in good hands with Auntie Phil.  

Upon leaving the hospital - which was incredibly busy - I can recall how Phil treated every woman I seen her speak with, with care and compassion and kindness. We parted with a warm hug and I can genuinely say I hope when I call the assessment unit to give birth in the (hopefully) next few days, I would be delighted if Auntie Phil is the one to take the call.