36 year old Harriet Paget from Farnham was admitted to the hospital in Tooting following a diagnosis of placenta accreta.
The serious condition causes the placenta to grow too deeply into the womb and in Harriet’s case, it had passed through to the uterine wall.
Harriet ended up being hospitalised during the latter part of her pregnancy, before the birth of her daughter at 35 weeks.
During delivery, she lost 13 litres of blood, with the team performing life-saving procedures to keep her alive.
Women typically have around 4.5 litres of blood in their body.
Harriet, who is now fully recovered, has given her daughter the middle name Ana as a special tribute to her consultant.
Harriet said: “It can be miserable living out parts of your pregnancy in hospital when you’re away from your family, but the caring teams at St George’s made it bearable.
“During the time I stayed in the hospital, I was filled with gratitude for everyone who cared for me both during my pregnancy and my recovery – and of course to all who were instrumental in saving my life.”
Harriet’s urging the public to celebrate their health heroes in the NHS equivalent of the Oscars.
Now in its second year, the gesh CARE Awards recognise clinical and essential support staff at St George’s, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group (gesh).
Last year, more than 500 staff were nominated for a gesh CARE Award.
To make a nomination, click here.
