"Staff were tirelessly helpful and kind"

I was admitted for a balloon induction which failed after a few attempts and resulted instead in two rounds of hormone gels over the course of 4 days. After minimal dilation and a difficult breaking of my waters I was allowed to progress onto the hormone drip down on labour ward. I managed to dilate to 8cm but baby's heart rate dropped resulting in an emergency c-section. We then stayed on the recovery ward for two further nights.

According to staff the hospital was the busiest it ever gets over the week that we were there. Bless them they did seem stretched so thinly and every ward felt packed to the gills. We started out in an overflow induction ward (72), and moved after a few days to a slightly smaller ward (73).

Staff were tirelessly helpful and kind! It was so moving to be treated so warmly especially when everything wasn't going to plan and our sanity sort of slipped away after days of 2-3 hours sleep a night.

I was so out of it and tired so haven't managed to remember the names of everyone that made an impact but there were lots of people!

Cheryl on ward 73 made a huge, huge difference to my state of mind by being hopeful and supportive even when things weren't going to plan. We were allowed to leave the hospital for a short spell and when we returned she had moved our things into a private room which after 3 nights on wards was bliss. 

Kei Kei on labour ward was so capable and kind, she was with us throughout all the twists, turns and developments calmly helping us along and giving us space to process things as a couple. 

In theatre I found everyone to be so perfect, warm and laughing at my jokes and keeping me calm. There was one lovely female anaesthetist who just held my hand and comforted me while the baby was out and being checked etc which I just needed so badly! The surgeon Gregory was a tonic, always up for a chuckle and reassuring in his communication.

When we were on the recovery ward Erin was so so comforting and gentle with us all when we needed it most! Ken the paediatric doctor was extremely lovely - calm, friendly and reassuring.

At each turn I was a bit heartbroken to see the back of all the lovely people helping us out.

I only took issue with one person during our stay. They seemed to have it in for my partner - the least obnoxious most respectful guy on earth - telling him off for all sorts of things that had been permitted in a different ward and just generally being rude. They caused us both stress at a time where we could have done without it. 

I think visitation practises on the wards could stand to be reviewed. I think a birth partner by your side is essential but I don't think bringing in all sorts of friends and family all through the day and night should be allowed. People's visitors were so so loud and disrespectful of the peace of the ward when we all really needed rest. Speaking loudly, playing tv and music out loud on phones, coming in stinking of cigarettes, kids having tantrums and playing with loud ipads. It drove me mad - this is a place for recovery and a very tender vulnerable time.