"Induction & birth"

I came in to ward 72 for induction/VBAC. I was beyond nervous and apprehensive as this was my first induction/planned VBAC after prior caesarean. The ward was extremely busy and the ward seemed very short staffed, however the girls did not let this affect the care and attention I got whilst on the ward.

The whole team in ward 72 were fantastic and treated me with compassion from start to finish, special mention to Annie who put me completely at ease during cook balloon insertion and explained everything from start to finish and made sure I was as comfortable as possible throughout the process. Also special mention to the domestic staff in ward 72 who made time to speak to myself and my husband and again were extremely kind and helpful. 

Labour ward - I was moved to the labour ward early evening and again felt extremely nervous and emotional. The staff here are real life angels and from start to finish ensured I had totally person centred care and really got to know myself and my husband. This really helped to put us at ease and settle our nerves as much as was possible. The midwives, anaesthetic staff, theatre and medical staff were amazing throughout and took time to explain everything and kept us totally up to date along the way.

Unfortunately we ended up not being able to deliver on the labour ward and we were taken to theatre for caesarean in the early hours. Special thanks to the anaesthetic staff Sarah and also to Dr Martin for ensuring the safe delivery of my son and keeping me safe and well informed throughout labour and surgery, we are so lucky to have had you both there.

Finally, a special huge thanks to both my midwife Claire and Lynsey from the anaesthetic team. You both kept me going throughout my time on the labour ward and in theatre too, I genuinely could not have got through it without the support from you both and will always remember your compassion and kindness in one of the most vulnerable and scary times of our lives, a thank you will never be enough.

You are all amazing people and deserve to be recognised for it!