Midwife of the Year

I would like to nominate Fiona McHugh for midwife/nurse of the year. A midwife and public health nurse who has been invaluable to us since the arrival of our twins last November, Fiona first made contact with me a few days after the twins were born and the day after I arrived home, without the babies (who were in NICU), she phoned to see how I was.
I had developed pre-eclampsia in the later stages of the pregnancy and my blood pressure was still seriously elevated. I was also worried the wound from the C-section might be infected. Fiona suggested that she would call, check my blood pressure and the wound. From that day, Fiona visited me every second day for the first few weeks to check my blood pressure, giving me great peace of mind at a very anxious time. In addition, she provided great emotional support and encouragement. Bringing two tiny premature babies home in the depths of one of the coldest winters on record was very daunting. Fiona continued to call every few days to check on me and the babies, and when my husband went back to work, kindly arranged for family support visitors to help a few times a week. She was very aware of the risk of postnatal depression and, while I was lucky not to develop it, I firmly believe Fiona would have spotted if I did. I had a list of questions for her every time she called and she was so obliging and patient in answering them. To save me loading the two babies into the car for weight and developmental checks, Fiona kindly visits me.

She is brilliant with the babies and never forgets about my wellbeing either. She is a fountain of knowledge when it comes to vaccines, weaning, weights, etc. She is always good-humoured and extremely efficient. In essence, Fiona is extremely knowledgeable, caring, compassionate, supportive and efficient. I feel very lucky to be under her care.