"Maternity unit, QE Hospital Gateshead: Excellent..."

I received excellent care from this hospital during both births of two healthy, baby girls in 2010 and recently, 2015. The staff here are very professional, very caring and respectful. Their friendly and honest approach to their work at the unit was noticeable and pride in ensuring I felt at ease and looked after was top priority. I received excellent care from the moment I was admitted to the moment I was discharged. I had a painful and long first labour but was always made to feel at ease and important. Anything I needed was seen to, no matter the time of day and I was treated with genuine care and a smile from each member of staff, from the auxiliary team through to the doctors. My second birth was a long process due to it being an induction, and at times was painful, but again I was cared for with honesty, kindness and professionalism and the birth itself was swift and straight forward with good after care. I had particular help with breastfeeding and the care was extended to my home after I was discharged. I was not rushed out of the hospital post birth, in fact I was welcomed to stay an extra night to ensure I was more confident, which was highly reassuring.The breastfeeding support team were a miracle and they ensured I could successfully breastfeed my baby, which has lead to a faster postnatal recovery and swifter bonding with my new baby. Breast feeding is something I was unable to do with my first baby but have succeeded with my second thanks to the South Tyneside care team and the post natal maternity unit at the QE for taking my need to breastfeed so seriously. I couldn't have asked for better care and it is wonderful to see the QE's maternity unit is still as strong and caring as it was 5 years ago. I only hope the QE maternity unit remains as strong in the future as it has been for me and that the Trust continues to receive the resources it needs to function to this exceptional standard.