"The Delivery of my Daughter"

7.5 weeks ago, I gave birth to my beautiful whirlwind of a daughter in AMH. After experiencing the start of labour I called AMH triage, care and consideration was taken by the midwife on the phone. As I lived an hour away and my PMH I was advised to come in for examination.

In triage I was seen by Hannah, she examined me and gave me options, this allowed me to feel empowered in my decision making. I explained I was red pathway but on discussion with my consultant in weeks before hand, I wished to deliver in the M/W led unit. This was 100% listened to. Helen the HCSW (who I will never ever forget) came to escort us through to the M/W led unit, the midwife on duty was Katie. Both of these absolute angels & their fast acting decision making saved my Baby’s life.

My safety and my babies safety were of upmost concern but also my wishes. I unfortunately required a transfer to the labour ward due to excessive meconium in my broken waters. Katie and Helen escorted us through fast, my daughter was born minutes later. Unfortunately my daughter required neonatal care, my partner still got to cut her cord and although we did lose out on undisturbed golden skin to skin, the team saved my daughter’s life and that’s all that matters and did the best they could to ensure I was heard and reassured when required. As a Nurse myself the “trust” aspect of our job is massive, I found I had to put all my trust in the professionals to take care of my daughter, and they did. Overstretched professionals that are honestly remarkable. I was able to empathise with my patients in regard to trusting us as professionals to care for us as patients. 

I have heard of negative stories surrounding AMH and to be honest it was not my first choice of facilities to deliver my daughter, but due to my PMH and pathway it was safest to attend AMH. I am so glad I did. I can genuinely say I was treated with dignity, compassion, kindness and cared for holistically by every single member of staff we encountered in Triage, MW Unit, Labour ward and Ashgrove ward. Names I remember was Hannah, Helen, Katie, Kira, Kirby, Aurora, and Martha. The staff in these wards were rushed off their feet, yet they always took the time to introduce themselves at the beginning of their shift. 4h obs were obtained on my daughter as per protocol and this was never missed. My daughter’s antibiotic treatment was always timely. The ward was clean. Any questions I had were always answered and if unable to answer they’d go find out. It appeared all staff worked well as a team. Nothing was ever too much hassle. 

The only negative was as I had not anticipated to be in longer than a day, I required some medication that was unstocked on the ward. I did have to chase this up several times. If I had not received this medicine it could have been detrimental to my health. I also had to ensure I had my own painkillers as I’d often asked for in the morning and I was never given. This isn’t a problem at all as I was more than happy to supply my own paracetamol etc it was just something I picked up on. I dare say if I had asked or chased this up I’d have been given no problem. 

To the staff at AMH, THANKYOU. You really are all angels. Keep up the good work. I will never forget the kindness shown and how staff went above and beyond to ensure my needs were met. Feeling very grateful. Thankyou X