Army Reserve Midwife delivers baby in rural Kenya An Army Reserve midwife has delivered a healthy baby girl in conditions far from the hospital set up she is used to. Major Ann Beckwith who works at The Royal Preston Hospital part of Lancashire Teaching Hospital NHS Trust delivered the child in a remote Kenyan village’s basic health clinic. Ann is currently deployed on exercise Askari Serpent which delivers Primary Health and Dental Care to remote locations in Kenya. Many of the outreach villages do not have access to any form of health care and there are no ante natal facilities. Major Beckwith commented “As an NHS midwife, there is just no comparison to the care that women receive in the UK. Many of the women I have come across during our clinics have been in relatively good health, considering there is no ante natal care it is simply astounding.” Ann’s many years of experience were put to the test when a local women came to the clinic for a routine check-up and it transpired that the woman was in early labour. Ann advised the mother to remain at the clinic. Through-out the afternoon the labour progressed (while Ann continued to see other expectant mothers) until, sat outside on the grass the waters broke. Continuing inside a healthy baby girl, weighing in at 51/2 llbs arrived within the hour! “It is very easy to say that it’s my job, although I have delivered many babies in the UK, here in Kunati it’s all very different; enormously primitive with very little to work with. Kenyan women take it all in their stride and do not expect any medical help due to the fact they do not have access or they cannot afford it. It was extremely pleasing that a new healthy baby was born with no pain relief. It is most certainly something I will remember for a long time to come.” Added Major Beckwith Now Ann has inherited a grandchild many thousands of miles away as the mother who was so overwhelmed and grateful for the support and care she received has named the baby Ann in her honour.
Posted on: Mon, 01 Sep 2014 15:37:12 +0000
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