A hero Scots student has been hailed after she stayed by a terrified mother's side after her shift had ended.
Roxana Ghita, from Colinton in Edinburgh, was forced to have a C-section due to complications - and even though the mum-of-two had had one before, she was still anxious. The surgery was scheduled for a couple of hours later so the 36-year-old's husband would have plenty of time to make it.
However, as reported by Edinburgh Live, just 30 minutes later health professionals decided now was the time and they needed to do the surgery. Roxana phoned her husband and explained before trying to make peace with the fact he wouldn’t be by her side for the surgery and birth.
After an epidural Roxana became afraid due to her body trembling uncontrollably due to the strong pain relief. Hero student nurse Ella stepped in and comforted the mum with her kind words and caring nature and ended up staying by her side through the whole thing - even when her shift had finished.
Roxana said: "I didn't dilate enough to have a vaginal birth and ended up with a C-section. The consultant had said we'd wait another two hours before doing the surgery, but they took me in about 30 minutes earlier. I called my partner to let him know, and obviously he couldn't make it in time.
"I didn't know at the time it was a reaction from the epidural but my body was shaking uncontrollably. I was scared as well, even though it was my second C-section I was still scared.
"Ella the student midwife was so kind. She noticed how afraid I was and that I couldn’t control the shaking. She held my hand before the surgery and throughout and continuously reassured me and reminded me of what beautiful thing was coming and it really comforted me and meant a lot to me."
"After the labour once the baby was born we went to the maternity ward and they were all wonderful!"
The mum shared the heart-warming story in an effort to track down the student midwife. She wrote: "I'd love your help to find Ella, a student midwife that was by my side from the early hours of 19th of July until my baby boy arrived in this world just after 8am.
"I meant to go back to the Royal Infirmary to leave a present for her, but I have postponed it a bit too long and am not sure if she's still in the labour ward.
"When I phoned the labour ward a few weeks ago they said they could not give me any information, but I was welcome to leave the present at reception and someone will give it to her if she's there."
She added: "Ella stayed on after her shift finished and held my hand during the surgery until my partner arrived (he had to take our 4-year old daughter to nursery).
"It meant a lot to me and, in addition to the sweets we gave to all the staff back then, I have had something made specifically for Ella and I would love to gift it to her in person.
"So, if you know Ella, the student midwife that was on night duty until the morning of 19 July at the Royal Infirmary, please help us connect."
The young midwife saw the post and the pair have now been in further communication so the family could thank Ella properly. Ella wrote: "That was me! Thank you so much for your kind words, it was lovely to support you and your family welcoming your wee one into the world."
Many others also praised the incredible care from student midwives at the Edinburgh hospital. Caitlin Mary Rennie said: "This is so lovely - I have to say I was blown away by all the student midwives who helped me before my wee boy was born.
"They took the time to explain in great detail everything that I was super anxious about! Absolute angels - all the best with your training you’ll all do amazing in your careers."
Erin McClelland said: "Oh what a sweet woman," while Dani Carr added: "Aww this is so lovely."
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