Singleton Hospital's maternity staff hailed as "real heroes of society"

The arrival of your first baby is a truly memorable occasion for most couples but for Lauren and Alex Kiley, it could so easily have turned into a nightmare. 

When their newborn son, Theo, arrived in Singleton Hospital, via an elective C-Section due to him being footling breech, on the 21st June of this year, he started displaying breathing problems and other complications and, within minutes, was transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

At one point the couple began discussing putting a memory box together with the nursing staff such was the bleak outlook.

However, Theo proved to be a fighter and with the aid of the hospital’s “remarkable” staff he turned a corner and deemed stable enough to be transferred to Great Ormond Street Hospital for ECMO treatment. 

His relieved parents have decided to share their story in a bid to thank and praise everyone who helped save their son.

Alex, a primary school teacher, said: “With all the negativity surrounding Singleton Hospital recently, we feel it vitally important that our experience is shared. 

“We cannot speak highly enough of the units and the teams of staff that fill them. These people are worth their weight in gold. They are the real heroes of society! 

“There are no words that could possibly express our gratitude towards the remarkable staff at the hospital’s maternity and child health units. 

“We hope our comments will reassure Swansea Bay University Health Board and, more importantly, future parents who have any doubts about choosing Singleton Hospital.” 

Alex, who lives with his wife in Hendy, recalled Theo’s arrival.

He said: “Although a c-section wasn’t what we had planned, our baby who was footling breech, meant that there was no other option. 

“Nevertheless, it was an amazing experience. 

“From the midwives who looked after us prior to the procedure to the doctors, anaesthetists, consultants who carried out the procedure, the care we received was outstanding. 

“Additionally, the care my wife Lauren received pre and post birth was outstanding.”

Sadly, their new son started showing signs of distress.

Alex, aged 32, said: “Unfortunately, not long after being born our son was taken to the special care baby unit for additional breathing support.”

Doctors, who went on to diagnose severe PPHN, respiratory distress syndrome, and sepsis, relayed their findings to the new parents – prompting them to name their son.

Alex said: “After what was a stressful 48 hours, my wife and I were called and told the news no parent wants to hear. 

“The consultants had worked tirelessly and unfortunately were running out of options and therefore there was a risk to life. 

“We were preparing for the worst and discussing memory boxes with the nursing staff. 

“It was only at this point we decided on the name for our son as we didn’t want him nameless providing, he didn’t make it. We decided on ‘Theo’. His name is of Greek origin, meaning ‘Gift from God’ and ‘brave’. 

“We felt this was very suitable given our circumstances.”

Theo was then transferred to London to receive highly specialist treatment only available in a select few hospitals in the UK. 

After spending 11 days in the capital Theo’s condition improved and he was transferred back to Swansea.

Alex said: “It was a daunting prospect returning to where Theo was so seriously ill. However, we knew he was coming back to a place where he was already well known and was welcomed back with open arms by all the team.”

Theo’s condition continued to improve and he was moved out of intensive care.

Alex said: “This was again a very daunting prospect for us as we were so used to him receiving one to one around the clock care. We asked to speak with a consultant in order to reassure us, and nothing was too much trouble. 

“Dr Jayne Sage came and spoke with us that very evening, reassuring us and giving us every opportunity to ask questions. This was true of every consultant and doctor we dealt with the whole time we were in hospital.”

Then, on the 12th of July, following 21 days in hospital, Theo was finally discharged home.

Alex is now preparing a fundraising challenge – a sponsored walk between Singleton Hospital and Great Ormond Street Hospital in London – next year in order to give back and raise vital funds for the service in the hope that it will help other parents and families who find themselves in similar situations. 

And he and Lauren, aged 30, want to “celebrate the staff who worked so diligently with the upmost care, love and respect” in order to save their little boy Theo. 

He said: “As a family will be forever grateful to the staff who played such a vital role in our journey. 

“Nothing was ever too much trouble for any member of staff, be it consultants, doctors, nurses, midwives or auxiliary staff. Everyone was approachable and showed the upmost care, respect and sympathy towards us and our situation. 

“They went above and beyond for Theo and provided him with extraordinary care. If it wasn’t for their expert knowledge, we firmly believe that our son could quite possibly not have survived.

“Please take comfort in knowing that you are all amazing human beings. The real heroes of society.”