Happy to be Born into the NHS

I decided to start this blog this week as I am currently on maternity leave with my 4th child.  This position has obviously given me an intimate relationship with the NHS over the past 9 ish months (and indeed 9 years).  So I thought I would start by giving some kudos to the NHS.

Not a day seems to go by without some scare story or another regarding the NHS - and believe me I understand that it has its problems - some of them immense and unacceptable.  But I also think we are incredibly lucky to have a health service like we do.

This is not intended to be a political post - I wont even pretend to know the latest on health policy (or indeed anything at all) but i do know about my own experiences with the NHS.  These have been limited to two types of interaction - ante and post natal care on the one hand and emergency care for my children.  In both cases the service has been exemplery and should be celebrated.  We know that we have far too few midwifes in this country and that maternity units are stretched to their limits. You would never know it though if you walked into maternity at Whipps Cross Hospital.  Yes the unit is incredibly busy but every single midwife and member of support staff has the time to be friendly, talk to you in detail and ensure they are helping you in every way they should.  The consultants are knowledgable, straight talking and put you at ease.  Indeed, whilst the unit itself is a little frayed at the edges - you'd be forgiven for believing the care you are receiving come from the private sector.

Excellent ante-natal care during this last pregnancy was only topped by the midwife who looked after us during my elective c-section.  She was with us from the minute we arrived until well after I was transferred to the post-natal ward.  And she popped by the next day to ensure all was well with baby and I.  She may be one in a million but actually I experienced fabulous care from all the midwives and doctors I came into contact with - for that I will be truly grateful.

There may be many many valid issues with the NHS - but there's a lot of good out there too - and it should be celebrated.