"Wonderful staff working in maternity"

I wanted to write to express my thanks for my experience at Craigavon Hospital for the birth of my little girl.

From the point I was admitted with bleeding at the admissions unit, I felt that I was in safe hands and felt cared for and respected. I would especially like to thank the midwife I had, Jennie, whilst I was on 2 West. She really helped me when I was feeling overwhelmed and when we found out that my c-section would be happening before the end of the day she helped me to stay calm. Any woman would be lucky to have her as their midwife.

I would also like to specifically thank the team who did my c-section. The registrar, Kat (apologies I only have her first name), explained the need for an immediate c-section. Throughout the section both the consultant (Chris) and registrar were professional and reassuring. Afterwards Kat came to explain how the procedure had gone and to explain certain implications of it. I was very grateful for this. She has an excellent, friendly and efficient communication style with patients and I felt very safe in her hands for the c-section.

The anaesthetic team (Dr Gupta and Sinead) were reassuring, quick to deal with symptoms as they arose and made the experience as comfortable as it could be. At the beginning it was noted that I was a doctor and I appreciated that throughout the procedure the communication was at an appropriate level so that I felt included in what was happening. Rebecca, the surgical nurse, was also fantastic and it was lovely to have a familiar face from the delivery room to theatre and then recovery. In recovery the team were fantastic and explained everything happening and got my daughter doing skin to skin as soon as it was possible.

The midwives on 2 West were incredible after the c-section - in particular Angela, Mairead and Naomi who looked after me. Despite having had a section before, the recovery has felt much rougher the second time round and without the support of the staff I would have struggled. Their assistance (especially overnight) was, in my opinion, central to a relatively smooth recovery. I would also like to thank the lactation specialist midwife who saw me on the ward as her advice was invaluable.

You have wonderful staff working in maternity at Craigavon and I hope that they are appreciated!