My husband and I were introduced to Di at the end of a very difficult day on A23 where I had started the process of medical management for a miscarriage. This difficult day was part of the worst weeks of our lives, as we suffered the loss of our much wanted and loved baby. Di made a positive first impression with us as she introduced herself and explained the medication she would provide me and the process of monitoring for the short time after. It is hard to put into words the relief we had that Di was so compassionate and professional after the struggles during the rest of the day. Di sat down with us to talk about things rather than standing over us and although we understand she must have been so busy, she did not rush and gave us her full attention whilst we were filled with emotions due to what the medication was going to be used for.

On Friday I was admitted to A23 for the second stage of the medical management and Di was allocated to care for us. Although we had been prepared about what may happen during this hospital admission, the reality for us was that the process of the labour was traumatic. both physically and emotionally for myself, but also for my husband, who had to watch someone he loves dearly go through this trauma - all within days of finding out our baby had died. Di supported us throughout the day more than anyone could ever really know, because although some may think she was ‘just doing her job’ or ‘doing what usual nurses do’, Di had the special ability to make us feel comforted through the worst situation of our lives. Di was professional at all times, clear with her communication, and showed empathy at all times. An important factor for us was that she included us both in her conversations and asked my husband questions too. It was clear that she could see the situation was difficult for us both in different ways.

During the day, Di asked how I felt, to which I expressed my feeling of intense sadness. A few minutes later, Di returned with an Aching Arms Teddy Bear – I cannot even explain the feeling of comfort this gave and the bear has remained a source of comfort for me since this time (I didn't think I'd say that about a teddy bear at 34 years of age!). Di knew exactly the right time to say or do things during our stay and we trusted her with our questions and emotions.

One memory that we will hold forever is when Di delivered our baby. I was high on gas and air, unable to walk as my legs were unsteady. Instead of feeling undignified as you might think, I was supported to the toilet, where Di realised the situation and asked if she could help deliver the baby. Agreeing to this was easy and what followed will be held in my heart forever. Di spoke to our baby as though she was talking to a living baby, and spoke with such love and kindness, ensuring our baby had a dignified delivery and she asked permission to take our baby to a safe place. Di then verbally prepared us for how our baby would look, and she described our baby so gently. This eased our anxieties, as we were unsure what to expect. There were so many other things that Di and the other staff did to support us through our difficult time and we are forever grateful for this.

What also stands out is that we believe Di didn't treat us any differently from other patients. We have no doubts she performs her duties in this way with everyone and we hope everyone else recognises the balance that Di has for professionalism, care, compassion, and commitment to the work that she does.