Cayhill- St. Maarten Medical Center nurses on the Maternity and Women’s ward (OBGYN) presents a gift to a mother who delivered an unexpected baby a few days before mother’s day.
New mother, Ms Brooks, was informed a few weeks before her delivery, that she had a fibroid. She received a referral letter to visit a gynecologist at SMMC but before having the opportunity to, Ms Brooks was brought to the Emergency Room in pain.
Shortly after, she was surprised to know that her ‘fibroid’ was a baby and that she was in active labor. Seven month old baby, Angelique Brooks was born later that day. She weighed 5.4lbs.
“This was a surprise for me. I was not prepared for this mentally, physically or financially,” said the shocked but happy mother. After coming to terms with the her surprise she was happy for her newborn and the physical care and emotional support received at SMMC. Her previous visit to a family doctor dismissed any ideas of pregnancy. Being uninsured, she was not prepared for the medical financial costs including that of financial support for the baby.
There was no other time fitting than during Nurses Week for the OBGyn ward to present a gift of a baby bed to the newborn baby. Divico and 0-14 Kids also donated pampers, wipes and other support to the baby. Closing the Gap: Millennium Development Goals is the theme of International Nurses Week. Steps towards achieving and improving health care relates closely to goals focused on poverty and women empowerment.
At the official opening of nurses week, President of Nurses Association Candida McRae-Williams reminded nurses of their unique position to influence others. Also, urging them to not turn a blind eye to our families and members in the community struggling with poverty.
For the rest of the year nurses will focus on Closing the Gap and improving healthcare by taking a closer look at the Millennium Development Goals and how they can help to improve health care on our island.
In Photo: SMMC Management, OBGyn Staff and social worker present gift to Keisha Brooks and her baby, Angelique.