"Our experience with Labour suite and Resus staff"

I would like to share feedback for some of the staff who helped me and my baby earlier this year.

Mhari

To Mhari (hope that is spelt properly),

Thank you so much for taking care of us during the birth of our son in February. We had not planned Ninewells labour suite or visited - so was a new and strange environment, but it was a lovely room with changing-coloured lights (Wish it was en-suite though).

I felt I could trust you quite quickly on initial meeting, you were calm and kind! I told you a few of my fears and you were able to alleviate them immediately. I am one for needing to know everything that is going on or potentially going to happen, and you kept me so well informed and well supported throughout labour. Our chat during labour really helped distraction from the contraction pain, thank you.

You warned me it might be very speedy near the final stages of labour, so, I was more prepared.

After birth, my baby needed help with his breathing. I was very demanding to go and see him and be informed of all his obs and what was happening. You were supportive of my wishes and demands during this time.

Thank you for offering my partner refreshments, even when I was not allowed food, and sourcing him that comfy chair!

That Apple juice for me was a delight for clearing my ketones :)

Wishing you the best for rest of your career - the pregnant mums-to-be are lucky to have you!

Tracy

Tracy the boss lady.

Met her briefly in the corridor initially and immediately liked her mannerism.

Tracy popped in to check the progression of my induction and review the oxytocin drip rate keeping me informed throughout.

Tracy had to leave to go to theatre, but my labour progressed very quickly, and she was back.

I was vomiting a lot by this point, which was nothing distressing for me, as I had HG throughout pregnancy. But, to ensure I was comfortable she got my preferred antiemetic which elevated symptoms quickly.

Tracy had a very calm and efficient get-the-job-done approach. Tracy was a good role model and leader to the junior midwives. All staff keeping me well informed throughout. I felt safe and looked after.

Worryingly, my baby was shocked when he came out, she was quick, calm and reassuring and took him off to resus. Quickly returning to update me on his progress. I was rather demanding by this point and thank her for quickly assessing and suturing me painlessly and effortlessly.

Having a good chat with Tracy - she would definitely be a great boss and someone to work with! Hope you have a lovely birthday and holiday! Thank you for all your care and support!

Erin

Dear Erin - thank you for birthing our son.

He made a speedy entrance in the end. Your cannulation skills were almost pain free and finding common ground and a love of holidays made a lovely distraction from contractions. You were patient and kind throughout my demands and supported the birth of our son well. You kept me informed and consented throughout.

Thank you.

Dr Tom

To Dr Tom, a massive thanks to your work in resus with my baby.

He was taken quickly from us at birth in a bit of shock from speedy entry to the world. My husband was forced by myself to stay with the baby. He said it was just you in the room initially working on our baby and informing him what was happening.

I met Tom shortly after in resus and liked his calm manner and he was able to explain what was going on and what the potential plans were going to be. Shortly after we left resus Tom came back to review our baby in the labour suite room and we had a lovely chat. Tom was thorough in his exam and very gentle with our baby. He had a great bedside manner and chat. Thank you for all his care and keeping me calm.

Dr Jamie

Dr Jamie - I would like to thank Dr Jamie for the care he provided for our baby in the resus room of labour suite. Following his birth, he needed assistance with his breathing.

I met Jamie shortly after in the resus room and liked his manner immediately. He was calm and composed and explained everything well to me. My husband agreed that prior to my arrival he was also well informed of what was happening and proposed plan of care.

Following a quick meeting in resus, my husband and I were thankful to see him again up on the ward for review later the following day.

There had been some differing opinions on the ward regarding his condition and treatments recommended. I felt like Jamie really listened to my opinion on my son’s observations and let me voice my concerns regarding a proposed treatment plan - as I felt it involved unnecessary invasive interventions.

Jamie had a great calming bedside manner. Reviewed him and was reassuring throughout. Jamie agreed with me in what was best plan for our baby, showing good teamwork and respect for our wishes.