A couple of from Beverley have offered their “eternal thanks” to the hospital team who safely delivered their baby boy.

Laura Malton and her partner, Matthew Levitt, said despite Covid-19 restrictions, the team at Hull Women and Children’s Hospital gave them an “incredible experience” when baby Ollie arrived just before Christmas.

Laura says:

“We sadly lost our first baby, Ralphie, when he was born prematurely in 2017 so I was really anxious throughout this pregnancy but the wonderful team of staff  looked after us so well.

“I was under the care of the Ivy Team and our midwife Hazel gave incredible care and support. She is an absolute credit to midwifery and I couldn’t have hoped for better antenatal care throughout my pregnancy.

“Then when the time came, Ollie’s birth was everything we could have wished for, because the team made us feel relaxed, reassured and informed throughout.

“Every single member of staff that I met was kind, friendly and helpful; I’d struggle to find anything negative to say about the care I received.”

And while many couples choose baby names from within the family, Laura and Matthew instead gave baby Ollie the middle name ‘Frank’, as a gesture of gratitude to consultant in obstetrics and gynaecology, Mr Frank Biervleit.

“Mr Biervliet has given us exceptional care over the last few years following the loss of our little boy,” Laura says.

“He made us feel like he personally cared about helping us achieve our dream of bringing home a baby. For him to finally deliver our son into the world was so special for us, so we felt it was the right thing to do to give Ollie the middle name Frank!”

Laura and Matthew with baby Ollie

Baby Ollie was delivered in theatre by C-section, weighing 6lb 7.5oz, and Laura says the surgical team was great too.

“It was obvious that Natasha, who worked alongside Mr Biervliet, had made herself aware of our situation prior to meeting us, and that meant a lot to us.

“Kimberley from anaesthetics did a brilliant job of caring for me throughout the procedure too. I’d had a previous bad experience so I was nervous about the procedure, but it went perfectly thanks to her, while Mark the ODP* helped to ease our nerves by creating a jolly, light-hearted atmosphere that we were both really thankful for.”

Laura adds:

“Having been under my midwife Hazel’s antenatal care all this time, it was fitting that she should be the one to finally place our baby in our arms, but we really can’t praise or thank the whole team enough for our incredible experience.

“What may have been just another day at work for them was the most significant day of our lives, and their contribution will be unforgettable to us.

“Despite the Covid restrictions in place, we felt the overall experience of Ollie’s birth was perfect.”

Julia Harrison-Mizon, Director of Operations for the Family& Women’s Health Group at Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said:

“It’s really fantastic to hear from people like Laura and Matthew; not only does it help to lift the spirits and re-energise staff at this difficult time, but it also serves to remind us that the contribution we make to other people’s lives – every single interaction – is so incredibly important.

“I’m so pleased to hear that the Covid-19 pandemic hasn’t been able to spoil such a special time in their lives, and on behalf of the whole team, I’d like to wish Laura, Matthew and Ollie all the very best for the future.”

There are concerns that the fear of Covid-19 may be deterring cancer patients from receiving vital treatments and tests.

Julie Watson, Macmillan lead cancer nurse at Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust says patients who are worried about catching coronavirus when they come in to hospital could be delaying treatment or putting off investigations.

Julie explains:

“As the specialist cancer centre for the Humber region, we’ve been working really hard here at the Queen’s Centre to maintain as many routine services as we can for our patients.

Julie Watson, Macmillan lead cancer nurse

“People with cancer can often have low immune systems, which potentially makes them more vulnerable to infection, so we can completely understand why people may be anxious about coming to hospital right now.

“We’ve been working hard for many months to ensure our departments, wards and treatment rooms are made safe for the people using them, and that we invite people to attend the hospital only where there’s an absolute need for them to do so.

“We now carry out consultations by phone or video conference where it’s safe to do so, which is often more convenient for people in many ways. Where people have to see us, for example for chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment, or for investigations or tests, we try to stagger people’s appointments, we’ve reduced the seats in our waiting areas, and we keep people away from shared or communal areas as far as we can to reduce the risk of transmission.

“Despite all of these steps, ongoing cleaning and regular reassurances, we are concerned that some patients are letting the fear of the coronavirus get in the way of potentially life-saving treatments or life-changing diagnoses.”

One such area where patient concerns are notable are in Endoscopy, where cameras are used inside the body to help in the detection and diagnosis of conditions such as lung cancer, bowel cancer, pancreatic cancer, and cancers of the mouth and oesophagus.

Lucy Holgate, senior sister in the Endoscopy team at Castle Hill Hospital says:

“Every patient who attends for endoscopy is screened and swabbed before they come to hospital, but we are currently seeing a higher number of patients than normal cancelling or just not turning up on the day, and we know a lot of these concerns are Covid-related.

“We know seeing staff in PPE can be upsetting or even frightening for some people, so add that to a procedure which can often be uncomfortable and may even turn out to confirm a cancer diagnosis, and we can completely understand why people may be worried.

“But it’s important to see the bigger picture.  It’s vital that people keep their appointments to avoid any delays in their treatment which could directly affect their own health. If people have any concerns or questions about their safety or what’s involved in their procedure, we’d really encourage them to contact a member of the team and talk these through.”

Tracey Davies (left) and Lucy Holgate at the Endoscopy Unit, Castle Hill

As endoscopy is an aerosol generating procedure, staff are required to wear a higher level of PPE than many other departments in the hospital, comprising full face mask, goggles and gown.

“We’ve created special boards, one at Castle Hill and one at Hull Royal to introduce our patients to the team,‘ the face behind the mask’, so people can still get to know us and feel a bit less anxious about their procedure,” says Tracey Davies, lead nurse endoscopist.

The once busy waiting areas and post-procedure recovery area have also been adapted to comply with social distancing rules, to minimise the number of people waiting and the amount of time they spend there.

“The last thing we want is for someone’s health to suffer unnecessarily,” Tracey adds, “so we really would urge people to keep their appointments and to speak to us about any worries they have, as our number one priority is keeping people safe in every way we can.”

The Humber, Coast and Vale Cancer Alliance has worked with the Trust to develop two new videos explaining Covid safety measures to patients in more detail:

Attending appointments during Covid-19 (Castle Hill Hospital)

Accessing cancer services during Covid-19 (Queen’s Centre)

Julie says failure to attend appointments doesn’t just pose a risk to the patient either:

“Non-attendance or late cancellations can also have a knock on effect for the hospital and for other patients. Many of our teams have had to reduce the number of appointments they can safely offer in a day due to enhanced cleaning and infection control processes between patients. Now, due to the need to swab patients before they come to hospital, any appointment which is cancelled at short notice or where the patient simply doesn’t attend can’t be offered to another patient, which means appointment time goes unused and other patients continue to wait who could potentially have been seen sooner.

“Our teams at the Queen’s Centre and Castle Hill are working hard to ensure the safety of all of our patients right now. We know the current situation is worrying, but please help us to help you. If you have symptoms that you are concerned about, please don’t be deterred from seeking help, and if you’re due to undergo tests or receive treatment, you mustn’t let concerns about Covid-19 get in the way of that important, potentially life-saving care.”

Patients sick enough to be admitted to hospital with Covid-19 are being helped by a team of physiotherapists as they recover from the most severe forms of the virus.

Physiotherapists at Hull University Teaching Hospital NHS Trust had developed a rehabilitation guide to help people on their journey back to health after being admitted to Hull Royal Infirmary or Castle Hill Hospital.

Rebecca Redmond, Clinical Lead Physiotherapist in Respiratory at Hull Royal Infirmary, said: “We know Covid-19 can continue to have an impact on people’s lives for some time after they are discharged from hospital.

“We’ve produced this guide to show people some of the common problems, both physical and psychological, that they may be facing once they return home.

“Our aim is to support people even after they have left hospital so they can begin their journey back to full health after contracting this terrible disease.”

As the virus affects the lungs, breathlessness is very common for people with the virus. It can happen either when they’re active or even when they’re sitting or lying down.

The  guide produced by the team shows people how to relax and control their breathing better as well as exercises they can do and techniques to try. It also shows people how to lie, sit or stand to reduce breathlessness and the effort of breathing.

Respiratory physiotherapists Rosie Breed, left, and Rebecca Redmond

People who have been in hospital for some time can also lose muscle strength so the guide encourages people to reintroduce gentle exercises including ankle raises, seated walks and balance work, using the exercises given to them to do at home by the physiotherapists who looked after them while they were in Castle Hill or Hull Royal.

Their hospital stay may also have affected their mental health so the guide supports people to get back to a more normal way of life by reintroducing their usual routine, such as getting up at their usual time, putting on their clothes and opening their curtains.

The virus can affect people’s energy levels for weeks or even months after contracting the virus,  leaving them feeling weak and drained during any activity. It can also leave people struggling to concentrate or feeling more frustrated, tearful and anxious.

The leaflet encourages people to complete a “fatigue diary” to help them understand how they are affected by different activities, allowing them to identify patterns to manage their fatigue better.

Nutrition and hydration play an important part in a person’s recovery from ill health so tips on eating and drinking well are also included.

People who have been admitted to hospital with the virus may struggle to process a frightening experience so the team has also outlined some of the problems people may be experiencing once they return home, such as nightmares and flashbacks. The leaflet outlines some self-care advice and signposts people to services which can help them.

The guide has been published on this website and can be translated into different languages.

Two new teams of midwives have been formed to provide more continuity for women throughout pregnancy and birth.

The Poppy and Bluebell Teams are the latest to be established by Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust to provide consistent, ongoing care for women in different parts of East Yorkshire.

The Bluebell Team (pictured above) is made up of eight midwives and a midwifery assistant supporting families in Brough, Goole and surrounding areas. Meanwhile, the Poppy Team comprises seven midwives and a midwifery support worker covering some of the more rural towns in East Yorkshire including Driffield, Pocklington and Market Weighton.

Each team will provide care for around 250 women, and each midwife will serve as a friendly face and a dedicated point of advice for around 35 women in total, from first appointment right through to antenatal visits, parenting classes, birth and beyond.

Lorraine Cooper, Head of Midwifery at Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said:

“Women and their families go through all sorts of emotions when they find out they are pregnant, such as excitement about the news, uncertainty about what’s to come, or even fear of the tests involved or the birth itself.

The Poppy Team, covering Driffield, Pocklington and Market Weighton

“We know how important it can be to a lot of women to see the same midwife each time, so the midwife can really get to know and understand them better. Having someone who is a regular point of contact, with whom women can bond, learn to trust, and feel comfortable asking anything of, can really help to improve their overall experience of care, especially for women who maybe don’t have friends, a partner or family around to support them.

“Women will get to meet all of their local team members regularly, as there may be odd occasions such as annual leave when their named midwife isn’t available. We want women to feel comfortable with all of the team working in their area, but knowing the benefits of continuity for mum and baby, we will aim as far as possible to keep each woman under the care of one particular midwife.”

The trust set up its first “continuity of carer” team, the Ivy Team, back in November 2018 to care for pregnant women in the Beverley area.

This new way of working was recommended in a national review of maternity services in 2016 called “Better Births” after women said they saw too many different midwives and doctors during their pregnancies.

A more recent, large-scale survey conducted through the Hull & East Riding Maternity Voices Partnership (MVP) also backed up the Better Births report findings, with the majority of women responding saying they would want continuity of carer for their pregnancy.

Continuity of carer is designed to foster closer relationships between a woman and her midwife. Not only can this empower a woman and help her build trust with her midwife, but it can also help to reduce stress and anxiety and even reduce the risk of miscarriage or premature labour*.

Over the past two years, the trust has gone on to establish a total of nine such teams, including Linnaea, which provides support for women expecting twins or a multiple birth, and Forget-me-Not, which provides specialist care for those who have previously lost a baby during pregnancy or shortly after birth.

The Bluebell and Poppy Teams are now in the process of contacting women who are pregnant or who have just had their babies, and who live in their respective geographical areas, to discuss their ongoing care.

For more information on all of our Continuity of Carer teams, visit https://www.hey.nhs.uk/maternity/continuity/

* Studies have shown women experiencing continuity of carer were 16 per cent less likely to lose their babies before 24 weeks and 24 per cent less likely to have their babies too early.

Hundreds of staff at Hull’s hospitals have played a crucial role in a scientific study which has discovered people are protected from catching Covid-19 again for at least five months after contracting the virus.

Staff at Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust took part in the SIREN study, undertaken by Public Health England (PHE) to see if health care workers who had already contracted the virus had any immunity to future infection.

In its first report produced today, PHE has revealed:

• antibodies from past Covid-19 infection provide people who have already had the virus with 83 per cent protection against reinfection for at least five months;
• Reinfections were rare with just 44 potential reinfections in the study of 6,614 people who had antibodies after contracting the virus earlier

However, early evidence does suggest a small number with antibodies may still be able to carry and transmit Covid-19, underlining the need for people to follow national guidance to stay at home and the rules of “hands, face, space” whether they have had the infection or not.

Phillipa Burns, Higher Specialist Scientific Trainee Clinical Scientist, led the SIREN study involving 550 staff at Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospital.

She said: “The findings are really encouraging and it’s fantastic that staff working on the frontline during the pandemic have contributed so much to our understanding of this terrible disease and how it works.

“By taking part in this major study, our staff are playing a huge role in determining our future response to the virus.”

Public Health England has been regularly testing tens of thousands of health care workers across the UK since June for new Covid-19 infections as well as the presence of antibodies, which suggest people have been infected before.

However, the first report provides no evidence towards the antibody or other immune responses from Covid-19 vaccines and those involved no conclusion should be drawn on their effectiveness. The SIREN study will consider vaccine responses later this year.

PHE scientists working on the study have concluded naturally acquired immunity as a result of past infections provide 83 per cent protection against reinfection, compared to people who have not had the disease before. This appears to last at least for five months from first becoming sick.

While the SIREN study will continue to assess whether protection may last for longer, this means people who contracted the disease in the first wave may now be vulnerable to catching it again.

Professor Susan Hopkins, Senior Medical Advisor at Public Health England and the SIREN study lead, said: “This study has given us the clearest picture to date of the nature of antibody protection against Covid-19 but it is critical people do not misunderstand these early findings.

“We now know that most of those who have had the virus, and developed antibodies, are protected  from reinfection but this is not total and we do not yet know how long protection lasts. Crucially, we believe people may still be able to pass the virus on.

“This means even if you believe you already had the disease and are protected, you can be reassured it is highly unlikely you will develop severe infections but there is still a risk that you could acquire an infection and transmit to others. Now more than ever,  it is vital we all stay at home to protect our health service and save lives.

“We are immensely grateful to our colleagues in the NHS for giving up their time to volunteer and whose continued participation at a time of great stress is making this research possible.”

A patient at Hull Royal Infirmary has become the first in the world to take part in a global aimed at preventing the most severe forms of Covid 19.

Iuliana-Alexandra Constantin, 34, became the first patient in the world to take part in the Phase 3 trial of inhaled Interferon Beta after she was taken to Hull Royal Infirmary this week with the virus.

Admitted to Ward 38, one of the hospital’s specialist units caring for patients with Covid 19, Iuliana-Alexandra was given a nebulizer to breathe in the medication as a mist after agreeing to take part in the trial, trial led by researchers at the University of Southampton.

The drug is designed to boost the lungs’ antiviral defences, enabling patients to recover faster and fight off a more severe form of the disease. Patients will be shown how to administer the once-a-day therapy themselves at home, allowing them continue the treatment after they are discharged from hospital.

Consultant Respiratory Physician Dr Michael Crooks, principal investigator for the trial in Hull, said: “Hull is at the forefront of studying new treatments for Covid 19 and we are currently taking part in a number of trials of potential new therapies.

“The dedication and commitment of our researcher teams mean we are able to offer patients access to potential new treatments against this terrible disease.

“We are hopeful this trial will confirm the effectiveness of inhaled Interferon Beta in helping people recover from the virus and preventing them developing severe disease.”

Interferon Beta is a protein which occurs naturally in the body to fight off viruses and is known to be reduced in people with severe Covid 19. Treatment is delivered through a nebulizer to people with Covid 19 who develop breathlessness and require oxygen therapy, stimulating the antiviral response in their lungs. The aim is to halt the progression of the disease, enabling patients to recover faster and leave hospital to continue their recovery at home.

Hull took part in the Phase 2 trial, involving around 100 people, during the first wave of the pandemic and is playing a major role in Phase 3 by recruiting the first patient to the next phase of the trial.

Respiratory research nurse Suzanna Thackeray-Nocera administered the treatment to Iuliana-Alexandra, watched by research nurses Kayleigh Brindle and Rachel Flockton.

Staff on the ward, led by Ward Sister Rosie Featherstone, will continue to monitor Iuliana-Alexandra closely until she is well enough to go home.

Dr Crooks, who is also a senior clinical lecturer at Hull York Medical School, said: “This trial will evaluate whether inhaled Interferon Beta helps patients with Covid-19 who need oxygen recover faster and prevent development of more severe forms of the disease.

“Any treatment we can provide to help patients recover faster has massive benefits for them and our hospitals.”

More than £200,000 has been invested across Hull’s hospitals to improve accessibility, privacy and dignity for disabled people.

One year ago, it was announced that Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust would receive £105,000 of government monies to help create four new ‘Changing Places’ facilities across both Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospital.

Inside the Changing Place at Castle Hill Hospital, near Nightingales restaurant

Changing Places provide the additional space and extra equipment which are often needed by people with physical or learning disabilities, as well as those with debilitating conditions such as muscular dystrophy and MS, to be able to use public toilets safely and comfortably.

The Trust match-funded the central allocation and now, thanks to the hard work of its capital projects and estates teams, can boast four new Changing Places across its hospitals in Hull and Cottingham.

Alex Best, Capital Development Manager for the trust says:

“We’re really proud to have been able to create four Changing Places across our hospital estate.

“The facilities have been spread across the two hospital sites to try and maximise the number of people who can use them.

“Having had the issue of accessible toilets raised through patient-led inspections and our partners at the East Yorkshire Disability Advisory Group previously, it’s great to have been able to act on their feedback so constructively and make real improvements for disabled people.”

The spacious Changing Place in HRI’s Emergency Department

The four Changing Places have been dotted throughout the hospital estate and can be found at:

• Castle Hill Hospital – main entrance
• Castle Hill Hospital – near to Nightingales, the main hospital restaurant
• Hull Royal Infirmary – Emergency Department
• Eye Hospital – Hull Royal Infirmary site

Each Changing Place features a disabled WC and wash basin, ceiling track hoist, height adjustable changing benches and an assistance alarm.

A grand total of 1,555 facilities are registered on the Changing Places website, but fewer than 100 can be found on NHS premises in England, meaning Hull really is leading the way.

Alex adds:

“Our Changing Places facilities represent much more than an investment in our estate. They’re important as not only will they improve the experience we’re able to provide for our disabled patients, staff and visitors, but they can also now serve as facilities for the wider local communities of Hull and Cottingham.”

For more information on Changing Places, visit www.changing-places.org

After taking up the offer of a routine eye check with his optician, Mark Stutely didn’t expect to need a hospital referral. But when a problem was identified with an optic nerve just before Christmas, Mark found himself in the care of staff at Hull and East Yorkshire Eye Hospital.

All too aware of the pressures which Covid-19 has been placing on staff, Mark didn’t want to be a burden, and he understandably had his own concerns around the risks of catching the virus too.

His fears on both scores proved unfounded, as he recently explained:

“Late last year, I went to my optician for a routine eye examination and a healthcare scan. As a result of the scan, the optician detected an anomaly with the optic nerve in my left eye. Unsure of the cause, I was referred to the Eye Hospital.

“I did have second thoughts about attending, not just because of the current risk of Covid-19, but also because I didn’t want to be a burden on the NHS when their priorities are trying to manage the impact of Covid-19.

“But I did attend, and I needn’t have worried. In fact, I attended two outpatient appointments which included scans and a lengthy consultation, and the systems in place to minimise contact and protect patients were brilliant.

“My first contact was with a nurse ensuring I was fit and healthy to come in to the hospital, then the cheerful reception team put me immediately at ease and reassured me that I was entering a safe and well-run environment.

“In fact, the professionalism of all the staff including the technicians meant that my experience was really quite pleasant.

“I felt well informed during the whole process, from start to finish. Mr Madhu, with whom I had my consultation, was clear, empathetic , incredibly thorough, and at all times reassuringly professional.

“While I was waiting in the hospital to have my images taken, I had time to observe my surroundings and what was clear to me was that the level of patient care was outstanding, and staff seemed to be very happy in their work.”

The Eye Hospital reception team immediately put Mark at ease

Even during these difficult times, Mark says he would encourage anyone who has a hospital appointment to ensure they attend.

“We all know how difficult the current conditions are for the NHS functioning in a world dominated by Covid-19. It is impacting all of our lives but my experience of the brilliant team at the Eye Hospital was that they continued to work well in extreme circumstances.

“I am glad I attended my appointments, and not just because the hospital has the necessary safety processes in place.

“It’s also important to understand that by not attending you could be impacting your own long-term health. If you do have underlying health issues, there is still a need for you to get treatment and by keeping your appointments, you can be reassured that you are in safe hands.”

Laura tells what it was like to have a C-section after testing positive for Covid-19, and how she ‘never felt anything other than safe and cared for’

Laura was Covid positive when she came into Hull Women and Children’s Hospital for a Caesarean section just before Christmas. When she got in touch a few days ago to tell us of baby Harry’s safe arrival and how positive her experience had been despite the obvious Covid challenges, this really was music to our ears.

If you’re due to have a baby in the coming days, weeks or months, we hope Laura’s story below will offer you some much needed reassurance in these difficult times.

“I opted to have Harry by elective C section. Monday 14th was the day, and it’s a good job it was because my contractions actually started at 4:30am that morning; he was ready to come that day no matter what!

“I’d been isolating at home since Josh [Laura’s partner] had a positive Covid test around five weeks earlier. We did our standard isolation period, though I had no symptoms and so I never got tested. On the advice of the health care visitor, I decided I would just carry on staying at home until the 14th, apart from attending medical appointments.

“Two days before my C section, I went to hospital for routine tests, one of which was a Covid test. I was a bit apprehensive but was quite sure I wouldn’t have it, based on the fact I’d not left the house for weeks and I had zero symptoms.

“However, the next day the phone rang, with a sympathetic sounding midwife on the phone. She told me I’d tested positive and that meant there was a high chance that my birth partner would not be able to attend the birth.

“Phone down, anxiety through the roof, crying on the phone to Josh in the vegetable aisle of Morrisons and then to mum who I’m sure could barely understand me through the blubbering mess.

“It took me a while to calm down, rationalise, and get a grip. I was lucky to actually feel well still with this virus, and lucky that I could still go to hospital at all and receive medical care. I was determined to see the positives (literally)…

“The next day was “C Day”. Josh and I sat in the car in the hospital car park, waiting to see if the lead midwife and surgeon that day would agree to let Josh in, or would this be it? Then just come back to pick us up tomorrow?

“It was an anxious 50 minute wait as they were dealing with an emergency inside. Then the phone rang: “I’m coming to get you both Laura, your husband is allowed in…”

(Here ensued more crying, obviously…)

“From that moment on, the care I received from all the NHS staff at Hull Women and Children’s Hospital was absolutely amazing. At no point was I made to feel anything other than safe and cared for despite the obvious risks to themselves from dealing with a Covid positive mother.

“The midwife that I had that day was so wonderful and reassuring. She was keeping an eye on us all, answering questions, talking us through the procedure. The surgeon came in and talked us through the surgery, and then the anaesthetist (who had the biggest impact on my day) came to explain the epidural.

“We only waited a few hours in our own separate ‘Covid room’ and then we were wheeled down to a special Covid theatre for our special Covid baby. The main concern from all of the staff was not that they were putting themselves at risk to take care of me and the baby, but that I could understand and hear them through their masks and glasses and that I felt happy and understood what was going on.

“They all wore full respiratory masks for the surgery itself; it was like being operated on in a space ship, and during every step of the surgery each member of staff through their many layers of facial PPE got close enough to look me in the eye and tell me what was about to happen.

“Harry was born at 11:50am, but in another 2020 jab to the ribs, he had problems breathing for the first 20 minutes. They whisked him into a room next door for him to be checked over and apart from a few intermittent cries, we couldn’t hear much from him.

“Here the anaesthetist played his major role; when he could see the anxiety on my face, he continually looked me in the eyes and reassured me. He kept popping his head into the room next door and coming back to say Harry was doing okay. Through my streaming tears, the kindness I could see in this man’s eyes through three layers of facial protection is something I won’t ever forget. He kept talking to Josh and I until Harry finally got his act together and was given the ‘OK’ by the paediatrician.

“Another 40 minutes later with Harry now lying happily on my chest, we were congratulated by all the surgery staff and wheeled back to our room. Josh was allowed to stay for another six hours, the midwife brought me tea and toast, and a bite to eat for Josh as he wasn’t allowed to the canteen; an angel in blue scrubs.

“It was then time for Josh to leave and Harry and I to go to the ward alone. I was given my own room at the end of the corridor with my own private bathroom. The aftercare here from the three shift midwives and postnatal team was warm, comforting and despite having to fully PPE up before even opening my door, was attentive beyond belief.

“Living in Greece for the last ten years without an NHS and without any real need for medical care, it’s something that – even throughout all this year’s media – hasn’t really been at the forefront of my mind. But now back in the UK and after that week’s events, then all the aftercare phone calls we’ve received from midwives and consultants, I’ve never been more grateful for the NHS.

“I wish I could thank them all again for making sure our newest member of the family arrived safely. Harry is currently breastfeeding like a champ, hopefully being pumped full of my Covid-19 antibodies and I’ll take that as a victory!”

Harry is pictured  above with mum, Laura, and at the top of the page with his big brother, Jack.