"Great care, thank you"

I had my first baby at Basildon Hospital in October 2014. My husband and I were very impressed with the staff and facilities in the midwife-led unit (Willow), the labour ward (Delivery suite) and postnatal ward (Cedar). In particular we would like to thank our main midwife who was fabulous throughout. Although our labour did not go according to plan and we required an emergency C-section, overall the experience at Basildon was good. The staff seemed to work well together, were slick and calm in an emergency, as well as polite and respectful. The theatre staff were also great. I had to stay in Cedar Ward for four days, which at the time seemed endless but I realise now what a huge help this was to me in terms of accessing help and support and ensuring I got some bed rest. It was also good to have paediatricians on-hand. If I'm being picky then I would say that it is pretty noisy in Cedar Ward, not from babies but the general hubbub of staff milling about and shouting (to find each other) and cleaners complaining loudly about their jobs. Also, we didn't like the ladies who change the beds, one of whom I had an argument with on my last day who maintained that everyone was asked if they'd like their sheets changed daily (not true!), whereas I only had mine changed once in four days, and then later was touching the baby whilst I was in the shower without asking my husband if he minded (we did mind). I'm sure she was only being friendly, but it didn't seem quite appropriate. The food was lovely, although the lack of breakfasts for people with gluten intolerance was annoying - the options were toast or cereal, which I can't have. I had to ask for fruit, which was provided every day thereafter which was great, but it got a bit boring after a few days! It's no surprise to me that the maternity services have been awarded an 'outstanding' rating, well done all!