"Birth of daughter in Woolwich Hospital in 2003"

My daughter was born at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woolwich in 2003. I was in labour for nearly three days and saw a lot of staff. They were each and everyone of them fantastic - most noticeable the way everyone of them introduced themselves when they came intot the room and explained why they were there. All did this no matter how brief their time or minor their task. The doctors and midwife all tried their best to keep to my birth plan (my daughter didn't!)I felt very well looked after and caesarean delivery was done so carefully making sure my daughter and I had skin and eye contact almost immediately after.

However by contrast the maternity ward was awful - women and babies coming and going at all hours, those in difficulties next to those waiting to give birth,babies giving some concern next to those who were fine all causing extra stress for all the mums / mums to be.

The staff were friendly but clearly overworked.

The cleaning was appalling, though the ward was swept and mopped through each day a molding piece of food remained under my bed the 3 days I was there. I said nothing as I watched in horror to see if the job would be done properly.

So a mixed experience. Siobhan