Mum speaks out over St Helier's maternity (From Sutton Guardian)

Mum speaks out about importance of St Helier's maternity

7:20am Saturday 26th May 2012 in Save St Helier By Sophia Sleigh, Reporter

A mother whose son was born premature has spoken of the importance of St Helier hospital’s maternity department.

Rosalind Brookman’s 21-month-old son, Theo, was born nine weeks early.

The 36-year-old from West Sutton, was working in Kingston at the time and said she just didn’t feel right so she went to St Helier hospital.

She was having mild contractions and the hospital staff decided to keep her in overnight on the maternity ward.

However as the contractions continued she was whisked to the labour ward and her bouncing boy, Theo, arrived within 23 minutes.

When he was born, Theo’s lungs were not working properly.

He was given five weeks care in the Special Care Baby Unit.

Mrs Brookman said: "If I hadn’t gone when I did or gone somewhere else or in rush hour to St Georges - [Theo] might not have been here today.

"That’s why I think it’s appalling they are trying to shut services.

"If I'd had to travel to another hospital he may not have made it. It is disgusting that they can even think of closing maternity and A&E.

"St Helier gave my son the most amazing care for the five weeks he was in the Special Care Baby Unit and I just can't imagine how the community will manage without A&E or maternity depts."

She also added that if Theo had been born at St Georges, travelling back and forth from hospital would have only added to the stress.

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