Family thank staff following emergency c-section
A family have thanked staff on the maternity theatres team and postnatal ward 206 for their exemplary work during an emergency c-section.
The father, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “Our care up was carried out by Dr Peter Young with scans every week up until the birth. Pete was great and kept us up to date with what was going on week to week and always found a way to calm our anxieties.
“On the day of the birth we came in and when monitoring baby there were a few dips in the heart rate and as a result, the c-section ended up being an emergency and we were whisked in.
“My wife was taken off to the anaesthetic room while I waited until a lady called Amy came out and got me into my scrubs, explaining that everything was going well and took me through. She was just what I needed as I'd been sat understandably concerned and apprehensive.
“I then had the absolute privilege of watching a theatre team doing what they do first hand. While of course I was there for my wife, being present in theatre isn't something a layperson gets to see very often. To say I was impressed is an understatement. Not only did the section take place but my wife had cysts removed from her ovaries and so was actually in surgery a little while longer.
“The whole team (of which there were about ten) were as professional as they were polite and friendly and hit that sweet spot between carrying out a surgical procedure without ever losing the joy of the birth itself. The surgery was led by a consultant called Dr Nowmi Ali and she talked us through every step of the operation. Hearing her say "Oh, hello baby!" and hearing a cry from our baby will live with me forever. Fundamentally what I saw was a team who cared. Not just about a successful surgical outcome but about us and our baby too. They were simply fantastic.
“I imagine that this is the norm but I will never forget them or what they have done for us.
“On a personal note for me I am alive, on two occasions now, because of the miracle workers in the NHS. I am able to be a father to my son and he wouldn't exist otherwise.
“Please never forget the impact a smile, a hand on a shoulder or some calming words of advice can have on someone.
“Don't ever forget how much you are valued even when the going is desperately tough.
“My family and I will be forever grateful for what you did for us. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.”
The theatres team performed an emergency c-section and staff on ward 206 provided aftercare.
The ward have also recently been recognised with a compassionate care award from the Trust’s quality and safety team for their care of new-borns and their families.