"Wonderful care at Angliss Hospital"

I went into labour early last month, very quickly. It had been a long day at home but it all sped up very quickly on the way to the hospital. After a 50 minutes drive, in labour, I got to the hospital and was overwhelmed and in so much pain that I didn’t think I could keep going. We arrived at hospital and we were greeted by our midwife, Catherine. Instantly I felt at ease as she spoke calmly, listened and talked me through it all and encouraged me. Within 3 minutes my water had broke and within minutes I was holding my baby. I think it was about 10 minutes from the car to holding my new baby.

Catherine was amazing, she knew that the baby was coming quickly and knew exactly what to do in an instant. Her clinical skills where exceptional, she took charge and made the whole room feel calm. She spoke professionally, didn’t show any signs of stress and made me feel that despite the rush she had it all under control. Her nature was gentle and despite the pain and panic I felt at ease and that I could keep going. 

With a quick and successful delivery she then spoke through everything, explained things, asked what I needed and was just great to chat to. She understood the shock I was in as it all happened quickly and made me feel that I was okay to feel like this. 

She picked up on my child's difficulty breathing and was on it straight away. Her knowledge was sensational and within hours we were at the special care nursery for extra observations. We spent a few days there with our new baby in the nursery. I spent the next two nights on the ward alone which was emotional. Despite me already being on the ward Catherine came and checked on me both nights and simply asked if I was okay. At that time it was what I needed, a familiar face to talk to and tell me it will be okay. 

I couldn't sleep the first night and she checked on me and brought me a warm blanket and a pillow, and after trying for hours I finally got some sleep. 

She checked on my baby both nights in the special care nursery and updated me in simple terms that I could understand. This was my second baby, who I had at another hospital, but the care I received from Eastern Health was exceptional. I could not fault a single midwife.

Everyone in the special care nursery were amazing, they never made me feel stupid, they keep me updated and most of all they let me take charge and care for my baby but were always there if needed. A big shout out to Di and Alison in the special care nursery whose care for myself and my baby was wonderful and their knowledge and care for the babies is what I believe every nurse should be like. All I wanted was to spend time with my baby and they made sure that happened as quickly as it could. 

One last thing I am thankful for is that I was able to stay at the hospital as a boarder despite being discharged. It meant I was able to breastfeed and bond with my new baby but also know what was happening all the time. I felt it took so much stress off my family. With my previous child I had to spend a week at home without them and it caused an emotional and financial strain on our family. 

So thank you to Eastern Health. 

I cannot thank everyone enough from Dr Richard to all the nurses, you are all wonderful . I am forever grateful :) As a fellow Eastern Health nurse I felt very honoured to work for Eastern Health and would love to work alongside all the nurses that I came in contact with.