"Amazing and life affirming experience."

My daughter was born 2 weeks early, with Down Syndrome and a suspected heart condition. My midwife in the delivery suite did an amazing job of looking after me during my labour and taking care of me after my daughter was born and whisked away to NICU. She sat with me as I cried my eyes out in worry. She was so calm and self assured. All the staff in the delivery suite were amazing. The on duty paediatrician then came and spoke to me, explaining the situation so clearly and patiently and gave me a photograph of my new born daughter. It meant the world to me as at that point I had barely held her. I was then transferred to Bassett ward whilst my daughter remained in NICU. The staff there gave me a private room which was great as I was very upset and worried and couldn't stop crying whilst I waited for news on my daughter. Every one on Bassett was so kind and considerate, from the Midwives and MCA's to the wonderful Sodexo ladies who brought me cups of tea and much needed hugs. After a few days I was moved up to the Transitional Care room opposite the SCBU so I could be near my daughter. The nurses in SCBU are more than nurses. They are guardian angels, mothers-by-proxy. The work they do, the care they provide both to the babies and their parents and families, feels above and beyond the call of duty. They are truly special people. They nursed my baby girl to health so that we could bring her home and they always had time to talk to me and pick me up off the floor when it all got too much. It was a total emotional roller coaster of an experience but I came away with my faith in human beings restored to where it should be. The wonderful consultants were approachable, patient and clear in their communications about my daughters care. The Sodexo ladies on Caroline Thorpe were so incredibly kind. I will never forget their kindness at one of the most emotionally exhausting times of my life. The whole experience was incredible. I will never forget the individuals that saw us through it. My daughter is now doing so well and the support I received in hospital is ongoing with consultant support, Childrens Center advice and the friendship of the BLISS champion. Everyone I met was amazing. They held me up through a truly terrifying time and saved the life of a very special and very loved little soul. I feel privileged to have encountered them all. Thank you simply doesn't cover it.