"An unforgettable memory"

My husband and I wanted to take the time to write a short thank you to demonstrate our sincere gratitude and appreciation for the entire maternity team at Darenth Valley Hospital. The devoted and dedicated team worked tirelessly around the clock to ensure that our baby and I received the professional medical and nurturing emotional care that we needed. My husband and I spent a total of seven days at the hospital undergoing a full induction followed by an emergency caesarean and in this time, on only one occasion, did we notice the strain on staffing and resources leading to delays currently affecting the NHS. Yet, even at this time, staff kept communication lines open and patients informed. Staff went out of their way to reassure my husband and I at times when we may have felt anxious or our confidence faltered. This trend commenced in our pre natal stage and continued through delivery and into the post natal care. Nothing seemed too much to ask for and we sensed a genuine desire from the staff to ensure our well being. My husband and I were immensely relieved to feel a high level of trust in the entire professional team.

Special thanks goes to RUPAULI and trainee DAISY (Delivery Suite) whom supported my husband, our baby and I through a gruelling 10 hour stage of the induction on the serotonin drip. In all honesty although you did not end up delivering our baby given the change in shift we could not have experienced the birth the way I had intended (as naturally as possible until medical recommendations stated otherwise) without your guidance. Rupauli completely accepted and supported the choices made by my husband and I and was able to communicate with a clarity and patience that helped at a time when processing information was difficult for me. It was also reassuring to see how Rupauli interacted with the trainee Daisy and I am happy that Daisy was able to experience those long hours with us. We cannot thank you enough.

Thank you also to the following staff:

Delivery Suite - Midwives Hannah, Emma, Sarah, Dr Begum and the Anaesthetists

Cedar Ward - Midwives Valerie, Cate, Rachel, Tracey and C

Aspen Ward - Midwives Deidre and Hannah

No doubt my husband and I have forgotten to add other noteworthy staff members names to this list and we hope that you forgive our omissions given how childbirth and becoming a parent can temporarily daze an individual.

Thank you once again. The whole experience will honestly be carried with us through life as an unforgettable memory.