"Incredible service"

I would like to provide feedback on my recent experience of giving birth at the maternity unit of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. I gave birth by elective Caesarean section in July this year and I cannot find the words to express the gratitude we have for the incredible service we received.

I know that maternity units in other parts of the UK are currently under scrutiny for their own care standards and I would like to lend my voice to ensure that the hard working and caring staff at the QUEH are exempt from these criticisms.

From the moment I began attending the hospital for check ups, each midwife took the time to explain things clearly to me and my husband. I have been very lucky in life as I haven’t had to use NHS services, particularly hospital services, prior to being pregnant. I was extremely anxious about this care but I now know I had no reason to be.

My c-section surgery was carried out by the team noted below. One of the first things I did in recovery was to take a note of the names of these professionals as I was so grateful not only for their experience and diligence but equally their humanity and care during what was inevitably a high stress and frightening procedure for me and my husband. I would like to give special mention to Peter and Haye who I cannot praise highly enough. I was given the best of care when it came to the spinal procedure but more than that, I was made to feel truly cared for. Our surgeon, Fiona, and the remainder of the team are an absolute credit to the hospital. Thank you to them all.

The team of midwives at the hospital are, in my opinion, second to none. From younger midwives on the ward, such as Hannah and Erin, who got me through those first two nights as a nervous mother, to the more experienced Tina, Gill and Charity, who gave their time and wisdom each day without fail, I wish to express my sincere gratitude. There are of course a large team of care givers including assistants and student midwives who all deserve thanks and praise for their work.

I do hope that in writing this, the people noted below, and all of the staff, feel appreciated and valued. I wish, again, to express my sincere thanks to each member of your staff that provided my care. The maternity unit is a credit to the NHS and Glasgow is a better place for having it serve us.

With kind regards and gratitude,

Care Givers

- Dr Sohal-Burnside

- Midwives - Tina, Erin, Hannah, Sarah, Gill, Charity, Jacqui, Carol, Mia, Esther and all on Ward 47

- Community midwives - Chloe and Jayne

- Dr Henry

- Anaesthesiologists - Peter, Haye and Iona

- Shona - feeding team