We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in the safe arrival of baby Samuel, born at just 31 weeks earlier this month.
Births are rare at Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, and this occasion showcased exemplary multidisciplinary teamwork. Staff from our Pulmonary Vascular Diseases Unit (PVDU), fourth-floor nursing teams, theatres, and critical care worked alongside obstetric teams from Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CUH).
This was far more than the birth of a baby. It was a meticulously coordinated, high-stakes operation involving dozens of skilled professionals working seamlessly across two hospitals to keep both mother and baby safe.
Samuel’s mother, Laura, lives with pulmonary hypertension (PH) - a serious condition that makes pregnancy extremely high-risk. This is because the normal increases in heart rate and blood volume that occur during pregnancy can overwhelm the heart and lungs, placing both mother and baby in significant danger.
On 12 November, 33-year-old Laura went into labour at her home in Norwich and was transported by ambulance to Royal Papworth.
What followed was an extraordinary display of rapid planning, clinical expertise and calm, coordinated action. Thanks to the combined efforts of staff at our hospital and CUH, and multiple specialist teams, baby Samuel was safely delivered by caesarean section in one of our operating theatres.
Laura with some of the individuals involved in her care from Royal Papworth and CUH
Laura’s story
Already mum to three boys aged 10, nine and six, Laura first noticed symptoms of PH three years ago.
“I was breathless walking upstairs and couldn’t even take the bin out without passing out,” she recalled. Initially misdiagnosed with asthma, she was later referred to Royal Papworth, where she received her PH diagnosis, along with medication to open her narrowed blood vessels and improve blood flow.
Laura was also advised not to become pregnant, however life had other plans.
Once her pregnancy was confirmed, Laura attended weekly appointments so her medication could be closely monitored. And when she went into labour at just 31 weeks, she was brought to Royal Papworth by ambulance.
Upon arrival, Laura was assessed on the ward before being transferred to theatre, where Samuel was safely delivered. She was then cared for in critical care, and Samuel was transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at The Rosie Hospital.
Despite the urgency and complexity surrounding her labour, Laura said she felt completely supported throughout.
“It was scary, but I felt completely safe,” she said. “Everyone knew exactly what they were doing. I remember thinking, ‘I’m definitely in the right place’. It was incredible.”
Seeing familiar faces from her regular visits also brought comfort: “At the beginning, everyone introduced themselves and said, ‘We’re going to be looking after you, we’re on your team'. It made all the difference.
“I’ve never known a hospital like this; everyone is so willing to make you feel comfortable. It’s such a special place.”
Five days after Samuel was born, Laura was able to visit The Rosie for her first cuddles.
“He’s doing amazingly,” she said. “He just stared up at me like he was trying to communicate. It was so special.
“His brothers are so excited to meet him - I can’t wait to be with all my babies.”
Laura enjoying her first cuddles with Samuel
Baby samuel
Samuel’s delivery required exceptional coordination, with specialists from across the Cambridge Biomedical Campus assembling at short notice.
Dr Chris Johnson, Consultant Respiratory Physician and Divisional Director for Thoracic and Ambulatory Services at Royal Papworth, said: “This is an example of amazing teamwork to safely deliver the baby of one of our patients with pulmonary hypertension.
“It took quick planning, complex logistical coordination, clinical excellence and work late into the night. It shows what our superb teams can achieve together.”
Charlotte Patient, Consultant Obstetrician at CUH, added: “I’d like to thank everyone involved for their extraordinary professionalism and collaboration. Both The Rosie and Royal Papworth were busy that night, but everyone recognised the seriousness of the situation.
“At one stage, we had seven consultants in theatre, alongside midwives, nurses, operating department practitioners, perfusion specialists and support staff - many of whom came in despite not being on call. I feel very lucky to work in an environment full of people who genuinely care.”