"Early pregnancy dept and maternity/delivery team"

In early 2013 I unfortunately had several bleeds in early pregnancy. I was terrified of losing our first baby and have to say thank you to everyone that helped, from the people on the phone to the sonographers that saw me on different occasions. Everyone was polite, professional and understanding as well as reassuring when we found out each time that my baby was still hanging on in there!

I had my baby boy in the maternity department in Colchester general hospital in October 2013. Staff again were helpful and friendly and tried to help me have the peaceful water birth I wanted.

Unfortunately my son was stuck and his heart rate dropped, however the team reacted quickly and efficiently and my perfect baby boy was born via emergency c section.

When I came around I was delighted to see my baby and husband happy & healthy.

I didn't enjoy my stay in the hospital for several days, but then being on a busy ward such as the maternity ward it is nearly impossible to sleep. Most staff were wonderful and helpful. Some of the best advice came in those first few days that I wonder if I would have been able to receive had I not have had a hospital stay.

My only slightly negative comments would be that I felt there were not enough staff all of the time, but this is down to funding and not the fault of the staff who were constantly busy and rushing around.

Oh and at the 20 week scan our sonographer was a bit miserable and put a dampener on that occasion as we were so excited to see our baby and that he was healthy!

Cleanliness in the hospital didn't seem to be a problem (I usually pick up on things if they are grubby or the floors are not washed).

All being well, I hope to have our second baby here next year. So far we have been to the songrapher only for a scheduled scan and the 2 technicians that saw us were fantastic.