Neonatal nurse reunites with QA staff whose care for her as a premature baby inspired her career

Caitlin was born at St Mary’s Hospital in September 1999 at just 26 weeks, weighing in at 1lb and 4.5 ounces. The care she, and her family, received at that time inspired her later in life to become a midwife and treat premature babies.

On a trip back to the UK, Caitlin visited the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Queen Alexandra Hospital, to meet some of the staff that helped her. This included Miss Nirmala Vaithillingaham, a Consultant Gynaecologist, who delivered her all those years ago.

Caitlin said: “Whilst visiting the UK I desperately wanted to return to the NICU at Portsmouth. It was surreal and so lovely to meet with my doctor Miss Vaithilingam and to tour the NICU and see the similarities and differences between my NICU and theirs.

“Helen, the Charge Nurse worked in St Mary’s when I was there and likely looked after me which is very surreal. The staff were very welcoming and kind, even introducing me to parents and sharing my story, hopefully providing other parents with hope which is something that I like to share with families I care for too.”

Miss Vaithillingaham was delighted to meet Caitlin. She said: “It was wonderful to be reunited with Caitlin after all these years and incredibly heart warming to hear how she has been inspired to pursue a career in neonatal nursing after the support and care we provided her and her family.”

Back in Canada, Caitlin cares for babies born as early as 23 weeks and those requiring intensive care. She said: “I work with babies who are just like I was. I am so grateful for the care I received and I am so fortunate to provide care for other families who are going through what my own family went through when I was born.”

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