"The Oxford Spires Midwifery-led Unit at the John..."

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The Oxford Spires Midwifery-led Unit at the John Radcliffe, Oxford

I gave birth to my third son on 13th March (2013) at the Oxford Spires. I thought the care I received was excellent and the staff suggested that I wrote to you. I also gave birth to my second son at the Oxford Spires on 30th August 2010 and received excellent care then as well.

Here is a list of all the features my husband and I are impressed about at The Spires:

Lovely, welcoming, calm manner of the staff

My husband and father (birth partners) made to feel comfortable and welcome

Calm atmosphere on the ward

Photos / pictures on the wall to create a friendly, welcoming environment where you don’t need to be afraid.

Lovely, spacious, clean, light room with fantastic views

Skilled, knowledgeable, caring, conscientious, efficient staff

Staff explained options / procedures in detail and asked / respected our opinion. I felt empowered, in control and relaxed during both births.

The phone is always answered very quickly. When I phoned at 1 am when my waters broke, the member of staff who answered the phone explained clearly and calmly what she thought.

Our midwife paid particular attention to the detail of our birth plan and offered me the equipment I had listed in the birth plan.

The same midwife was present for the duration of the birth

Toast after birth and a feeling that staff aren’t too pushed to go the extra mile

Different coloured uniforms for different staff roles

Sense of confidence from the staff

Different style rooms and lots of varied equipment available to use

Paperwork given promptly on departure. Helpful leaflets.

I hope the Oxford Spires is well supported. It is a shame that there are, as I understand, only two midwives available at any one time, as a larger number of midwives would allow more women to access the fantastic care available.

I would also like to point out that I had my first son on 27th November 2007 downstairs at the JR and the care there was also very good.

The excellent care at the Oxford Spires has given my children a very good start in life and has allowed me to have a birth experience that enables a swift recovery. This means so much to me.