"Feeling very lucky. Thank you!"

I was flown up from Busselton recently with Placenta Previa after a bleed. 

The doctors decided to keep me in Perth due to the risks of having more complications and my baby being delivered early. 

After 4 nights in hospital being monitored I was transferred to Agnus Walsh House which is next to the hospital but connected to the hospital through corridors. I immediately felt reassured knowing that I was just there if there was an emergency. 

On arrival in the evening I was escorted to my room by a nice man and given my keys to my room. My room was great. The room had everything I needed for a comfortable stay. There were clean bed linen, towels and crockery and cutlery. I  was very happy to have my own TV too. The bathroom, kitchen and lounge is shared amongst the other guests staying at the house. The facilities were all very clean and well kept. I felt very lucky. 

I was anxious about staying away from my family in Busselton and my two children and knew that it was going to be hard for them and a long time with still almost 2 months before my baby was due. It was good to be able to have them visit through the day. Unfortunately due to them living so far away it wasn't possible to visit daily, but they came and stayed elsewhere at the weekends.

Waking the following morning I took myself of for a shower and after my shower I met Val who introduced herself and showed me around. Val showed me exactly where I needed to go and what I needed to do. She was very friendly and I felt very comfortable chatting to her about everything. I felt like she really listened and cared. I met Nicky the next day and she was absolutely lovely too. She would ask me how I was and chatted with me and made me feel at ease. Nicky and Val do a great job. They keep you feeling positive and are caring. The house is very clean and I felt very lucky to stay there and have support from them.

It was great to learn that all my meals were included in my stay and I could do my laundry too.  Breakfast in the kitchen and all other meals were included in the hospital staff room. I was not expecting it at all. I ate like a queen for the time I was there. 

My baby arrived a week earlier than was planned as I had a large bleed and called the emergency number from the phone in the corridor. Midwives came and collected me and wheeled me to MFAU (maternal fetal assessment unit) and my baby was delivered that evening by cesarean delivery.  The following morning Val came to visit me in ASCU (adult special care unit). It was really good of her and meant a lot to me. 

I would love for you to please pass on my thanks and best wishes to both Val and Nicky. 

They made my time away from home much easier and I feel very lucky and grateful to have had their support. 

Thank you!