I have been a consultant in Leeds for over 25 years and have seen the service we provide change in many ways.
In Fetal Medicine I am part of a team of seven consultants, two subspecialty trainees, six midwives and one maternity support worker (MSW) who provide a clinical service for women across West Yorkshire and the Humber including diagnostic ultrasound, invasive testing and supporting information about their baby’s condition, to help with pregnancy management, decision making and birth planning. We work as part of a wider multidisciplinary team (MDT) including Clinical Genetics, Neonatology, Paediatric Cardiology, Neonatal Surgery and bereavement support where required.
I run the diagnostic part of the placenta accreta spectrum service for West Yorkshire and the Humber with three clinics per month for women at risk of this condition. I link in with other team members including Radiology and the Surgical team to ensure that, if the condition is diagnosed, these very high-risk pregnancies are managed safely and that a good outcome is achieved for both mother and baby.
I also contribute to the general antenatal clinic on a monthly basis, seeing women with a range of common pregnancy problems.
I am part of the Consultant team who provide care 24/7 for pregnant women in Leeds antenatally, during labour and postnatally. Along with my colleagues I help women to make choices that are right for them providing clear and unbiased information about the choices available to them so that their decisions, particularly about the type and place of birth, are fully informed including the options of elective caesarean section, hospital vaginal birth and homebirths.
I am the link Consultant for the homebirth team and for women with high risk pregnancies who are considering birthing outside of hospital, again supporting them to make fully informed decisions.
I am proud to be part of the maternity team in Leeds which strives to provide safe care to all of our services users.