"Outstanding service"

I am part of a mum's group on Facebook based in and around Littleborough where mums can arrange meetups, play-dates, days out or just friendly natter over a brew.

Before coming to Oldham Hospital I asked the ladies on there about their experiences here and the majority were pretty negative about the after care. So I was extremely nervous and anxious about receiving care here.

Throughout my whole pregnancy I have had nothing but good things to say about the staff and facilities here. I am currently sat on the post-natal ward while my little boy is being well looked after in NICU and I am sat here comfortable and almost pain free eating a lovely breakfast and a brew.

To start, triage! the staff are amazingly comforting and don't make you feel like you're bothering them. They come and check you're ok as and when they can as it does get very busy. The facilities are smashing! Comfy recliner chairs with the monitor right next to you so you can see what's going on. Free wifi and you can help yourslef to water, tea, coffee and snack (I visited triage 3 times with reduced movements).

After being on triage for the final time I was transferred up to the labour ward as baby was not happy as his heart rate kept dipping with any tighenings I had.

On the labour ward I was assigned my own room and was put back on the monitor and met the midwives on duty to care for me. Each one being as friendly as the next, making sure I was also ok and kept both me and my partner in the loop.

I was also very impressed that a bed was supplied for my boyfriend so he could stay with me comfortably for the night which made it a more pleasant experience for him. as far as I am aware they don't have many of these beds but they do have some recliner chairs also on offer and I personally think the hospital would benefit from having access to more of these as having a partner, friend, family member staying with you is very important for mental state.

It was then decided that intervention was needed in the form of a c-section as baby was not coping very well and indications showing that something wasn't right.

I was taken down to surgery where I was met with a very lovely, friendly, comforting and reassuring team. Especially the head surgeon who was full of beans!

I was informed every step of the way on what was going on and what the next step should be. I felt so at ease that I wasn't nervous and actually enjoyed the whole experience with my partner in the room. It was so relaxed that we all had a bit of a giggle in there.

My boyfriend was then taken to recovery with our baby boy to wait for me to be cleaned up. I was then in recovery 10 mins later with our baby laying on my chest skin to skin.

We were then taken up to the labour ward again where myself and baby were closely monitored as there were a few complications in surgery.

Next we have postnatal and antenatal wards. Again both having outstanding staff and facilities.

I would put the service here way above the service that I received at St. Mary's hospital in Manchester!

The staff here come within minutes of the help button being pressed and they are quick to fulfill your requests.

They are also honest about any waiting times if they get busy. Hand overs are fairly quick also.

The staff here all work together and run very smoothly as individuals and a team.

I would be more than happy to come back here and recommend this service to family and friends.