I am unwavering in my praise

I would like to further explain the reasons for my praise.

Due to health problems my pregnancy was classed as "high risk" and I required full ante-natal consultant care, which was provided at Fairfield Hospital. That care, under the guidance of Dr Wake and Sister Butterworth, was superb and on my many visits to the clinic I was always treated with kindness, respect and endless patience by staff. On numerous occasions I contacted staff outside my scheduled appointment times with my concerns and worries, and nothing was ever too much trouble if it meant that they could put my mind at rest. The staff at the ante-natal clinic truly deserve both my praise and thanks for the care they provided during my pregnancy.

My daughter was delivered prematurely by caesarian section and I subsequently spent seven nights on the very busy post-natal ward, initially without my daughter as she was in the special care baby unit. I was fortunate enough not to meet any of the "unhelpful, unfriendly and extremely rude staff" that N. Morris came into contact with. Obviously I realise everyone's expectations and experiences are different, but at no time did I feel the care I received was below standard or compromised due to staff shortages.

After we left hospital, my daughter and I continued to receive the same standard of care from the community midwives who were friendly, helpful and knowledgeable.

If the proposed changes to the maternity services at Fairfield go ahead, and due to the "high risk" nature of my pregnancy, I would almost certainly be denied the choice of receiving ante-natal care and giving birth at Fairfield. The prospect of having to travel to a hospital much further afield at a time when I would be feeling exhausted and my health would be deteriorating, makes me extremely grateful that I have already completed my family.

JULIE NOONE (Mrs)