"Good Hope Midwifery unit"

I was in latent phase of labour for 8 days and eventually had to have an emergency Caesarian section. During the latent phase I was very frustrated that I couldn't have any more pain relief and I felt the midwives kept on fobbing me off with 'latent phase" all the time instead of looking at me as an individual and my individual needs and pain threshold. This experience was traumatic for me and so next time I will choose to have a Caesarian.

However on the night of going to labour ward I couldn't fault the care from Jackie, Becky , Dr Tin Tin and anaesthetist Nala. The looked after me with such diligence, dignity, care and attended to my every need. Jackie was in particular vigilant and acted quickly and professionally when my baby's heart rate dipped. She was kind to me and I felt safe in her care and knowledge.

Beck was the midwife in charge of the unit that night. She was incredibly professional and showed excellent leadership skills. When she came into the room she has a presence of authority yet in a quiet way and never stepped on anyone's toes but had a vast amount of knowledge. I too felt safe knowing she was there. She managed the team well and coordinated things well with the doctors and other members of the team. Everyone respected her and listened to her. She was very calm and in control of the situation.

Nala the anaesthetist had an excellent bedside manner and was kind and caring to me. She treated me as an individual.

Dr Tin Tin was professional and I could tell she was a very good doctor. I too felt safe in her hands.

On the post-natal ward the facilities were very good. The food was excellent. It was lovely to have a hot lunch and dinner. I was incredibly impressed by the skills and knowledge of the maternity support workers. They do so much and are the essence of the ward.

One of the things I noticed was that the kindness of the midwives goes a long way. Sometimes the nightshift midwives were too busy to show me kindness which I found difficult as it was a very emotional time being separated form my baby in SCBU.

Midwives Hannah and Gemma were particularly kind and caring to me. I liked them looking after me.

I also want to thank Mr Bowley for his excellent rapport with me and my family and for performing the tongue tie procedure so quickly and effectively on my son.

The matron Maggie Coleman was incredibly kind and caring and listened to me and my concerns. She ensured I was well looked after which I am incredibly grateful to her for. Maggie has a presence of authority in a calm way and manages her team well.