Mum returns to Blacktown Hospital to thank staff
What began as a worrying trip to the emergency department for new mum Brittany, became an experience at Blacktown Hospital worth sharing.
When Brittany noticed blood in her seven-week-old baby’s vomit, she called HealthDirect to determine whether a visit to hospital was necessary.
On the advice of HealthDirect, she went to the emergency department nearest to her Quakers Hill home, Blacktown Hospital.
“I was in the waiting room all of 15 minutes, and they pulled me straight into paediatric emergency,” Brittany said.
“They ran blood tests. They did scans. They did everything they could,” Brittany said.
After various tests, they determined the blood was from breastfeeding related nipple trauma.
Lactation consultant and Blacktown midwife of the Year, Lisa White supported Brittany, who is also a registered nurse, with her breastfeeding during her ED visit and follow-up was arranged by the Paediatric unit the next day.
“The whole experience, they just kept us calm the whole time, they were amazing!”
Brittany reflected that the staff were able to speak to her about the findings in a way she understood [as a nurse] but were also very aware to explain what was happening, so it was easily understood.
“My mum came in to give me support, and they explained everything to her in layman's terms,” Brittany said.
A few weeks after her experience, with a chance to reflect, Brittany took a moment with her newborn baby to write to Blacktown Hospital.
“I would like to give compliments to Dr Steven Teo and nurse Maryanne from paediatric emergency department. I came in with my seven-week-old and was given amazing attention and excellent care. They made myself, my mum and my baby feel heard and explained - everything from procedures and results. I couldn't ask for better care.”
Brittney delivered her baby, Archie at Blacktown Hospital in May 2026, her antenatal care provided as part of the caseload program and said all her interactions with the Blacktown team have been fantastic - she recommends the hospital to anyone she knows who is pregnant.
The hospital’s Director of Nursing, Kelly Watson said hearing positive feedback like Brittany’s provides and incredible boost to morale, not just for the staff mentioned but for the whole hospital.
“Our staff come to work every day to support families like Brittany’s. The ED team are incredibly dedicated. When the hospital gets busy and in winter, we know there can be challenges with waiting times, but we want people to know – we are here to help, and we appreciate the community’s support,” said Kelly.