"Daughter born with cleft palette."

Our daughter was born in November with a cleft pallet. Within two hours of her birth we were introduced to Shirley, our cleft palette nurse. Our daughter was in NICU for her first 11 days, where she was given the absolute best care from literally every single person in that ward, in fact they looked after my husband and I also!

Due to her cleft it was clear that she wouldn't be able to latch properly. I was devastated to begin with as I had really hoped I would be able to breastfeed. However, Shirley sat with us on numerous occasions to establish what teat worked best for my daughter, and also gave me encouragement and support to not give up on expressing. The entire team in NICU were so supportive and helpful when it came to expressing, I definitely feel without them I would have given up in those first few days. 

Moving forward, Shirley was more than a nurse to us, she was like an Aunt. She even popped out to our house before Christmas just to check in with us to see if there was anything else she could do for us and my daughter. 

Our consultation with the cleft team was such a breeze. Her surgeon Mr Russel explained everything in great detail, we also met her speech therapist if she ever needs one. During this time my husband and I were even offered support ourselves encase we were unsure or worried  at a later date about her surgery. 

At 7 months old, my daughter had received her cleft palette repair surgery. Again, every single person from the nurse who admitted us the night before, to all the staff on the ward, in the theatre, and the entire cleft team all made sure myself, my husband and especially my daughter was receiving the best care possible. With a special shout out to Corrina, a student nurse on our ward who honestly couldn't have done enough for us. 

Mr Russell, Jenny, Anne and Shirley from the cleft team were so calm, supportive and caring during our time in hospital. Even after surgery I still regularly hear from Shirley, to check up on our wee girl.

The RHC, Queen Elizabeth University  Hospital, Glasgow is truly heaven on earth for us for the care they have shown to our family. We are forever grateful. 

Although her care will be ongoing to ensure her speech develops, provide possible dental care, and audio checks are clear, my husband and I know our little princess is in the best hands, always! 

Thank you.