News and events

A mum who lost 13 litres of blood during her daughter’s birth has praised the “incredible” care teams who saved her and her baby’s life.

Harriet Paget, 36, survived a rare, life-threatening pregnancy complication thanks to the quick action of staff at St George’s Hospital in Tooting, south west London – now she’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).

The mum-of-three from Farnham, Surrey, was admitted to St George’s following a diagnosis of placenta accreta after experiencing bleeding 30 weeks into her pregnancy.

The serious condition causes the placenta to grow too deeply into the womb – in Harriet’s case, it had passed through to the uterine wall, meaning delivering her baby would be life-threatening.

Due to the condition, Harriet ended up being hospitalised during the latter part of her pregnancy, before the birth of her daughter at 35 weeks.

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.”

Thanks to a specialist accreta team led by Consultant in Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine Ana Pinas, Harriet’s daughter was born in May 2024 via planned c-section.

During the delivery, Harriet 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.

Her daughter was rushed to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) as she needed immediate breathing support, while Harriet was also taken to intensive care – they both recovered and went home eight days later.

Harriet continued: “When you’re vulnerable like I was, it’s very important that the care you receive makes you feel that things are going to be ok.

“During my pregnancy, I was away from home a lot and that made me so appreciative of how giving NHS workers are. It’s also made me so admirable of NHS workers who give such dedicated care.”

Harriet was so touched by the care she received at St George’s that she gave her daughter the middle name Ana as a special tribute to her consultant.

The grateful mum also took part in London Landmarks Half Marathon in April and raised more than £5,000 for St George’s Hospital charity.

Harriet said: “The care I had at St George’s was incredible – from the consultants to the nurses, to the catering staff.

“The level of care I received has given me a new-found respect.

“It’s great that the public can nominate a dedicated worker for a much-deserved award.”

Kate Slemeck, Managing Director at St George’s Hospital, said: “We really welcome hearing from patients about the expert care they’ve received from our clinical and support teams – they go above and beyond for people like Harriet and her daughter every day.

“I am so proud of the dedicated care we provide – and I hope people will nominate their health heroes to help us all celebrate them and what they do.”

Davina Metters, Director of Fundraising and Communications at St George’s Hospital Charity, added: "We were so in awe of Harriet when she took on the London Landmarks Half Marathon after her life-saving treatment. Raising over £5,000 for St George’s Hospital Charity was a truly inspiring way to give back to the staff who cared for her." 

Consultant Ana Pinas said: “Harriet was one of our most challenging cases to date and proof that good team-work is the key to safe and excellent care for our patients.

“I will never forget the feeling when I saw her awake and well in the Intensive Care Unit, only 24 hours after we were concerned about her life. It is an honour to have her little girl named after me – they will always have a special place in my heart.”

Last year, more than 500 staff were nominated for a gesh CARE Award. To make a nomination, visit this link by Wednesday 8 October.