"Fantastic service"

I have had two babies at Rotherham General Hosptial. One was in 2016 and my most recent September 2017. Each experience was different but resulted in safely delivered and cared for babies in the early days of their lives. I wanted to just acknowledge the hard work that all of the medical professionals within the maternity department from the community midwives, those on labour ward and on wharncliffe ward following delivery. It is clear that the department work as a team and that you all work under a great deal of pressure but this doesn't affect the care mothers and babies receive.

After a being induced successfully, my second daughter was born quickly and I was cared for very well. I was on the labour and delivery suite for a period of time and was able to relax with my newborn straight after the birth. We were provided with food and drinks very quickly and able to spend time bonding with her.

Upon being transferred to Warncliffe ward, staff were responsive and supportive. Staff in different jobs from breast feeding support, the nursery nurses and the midwives spend adequate time making sure all questions or concerns were answered. I was discharged the following day a very happy new mum.

Following a small complication a few days after discharge I had to return to the hosptial to be reviewed by a doctor. Although inconvenient for myself the response by the community midwives and referral back to the hospital showed how seriously they take the care of new mothers and their babies. Upon readmission to the hospital this was the only part of my care I feel didn't go as smoothly with an 8 hour wait to be reviewed by a doctor (although I do acknowledge the strain on resources and the need to prioritise patients). Again though due to the time I could have been discharged it was late (midnight) so I decided to stay at the hospital overnight. The care I received the following morning was quick and efficient and I was able to get home by 10.00am.

Overall I just wanted to share my appreciatation and gratitude for the work you all do everyday. Your all wonderful people doing the job you do and deserve much more recognition that what you currently get. I would have no doubt in recommending Rotherham maternity services to any of my friends or family. You simply do the best you can and more with the resources you have.

Thank you for delivering and caring for my two babies and myself so well. I hope others can recognise just how hard you all work.