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Addenbrooke's team members are 'Maternity Unit Miracles'

The Addenbrooke's maternity diabetes team have won 'Best Maternity Team' award for the East Anglia region in the national UK MUM (Maternity Unit Miracles) Awards run by Baby Lifeline, the mother and baby charity. The awards recognise the exceptional skills of health professionals in the maternity sector caring for pregnant women and newborn babies.

The team receive their award with Julie Harradance and children Megan and Alex

The team was nominated by Julie Harradance from Melbourn, Cambridgeshire. After Julie suffered three miscarriages in a row, tests carried out at the Rosie Hospital showed that she was diabetic. Julie was then referred to the diabetes clinic, where a team of doctors, nurses, midwives, and a diabetes specialist dietitan and nurse carefully monitored Julie throughout her pregnancy, in addition to the care she received at the Rosie. In March 2001 Julie gave birth to Megan Olivia, who was followed in November 2003 by her brother Alex Patrick. Again, Julie was monitored on a regular basis throughout her second pregnancy.

Speaking about her experiences, Julie said: "I couldn't be happier and it's all thanks to the teams from the diabetes clinic and the Rosie Hospital for the support, care and attention I received through the last four years. I could not have asked for better help and support."

Members of the maternity diabetes team

Speaking about the award, Mr Gerald Hackett, Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, said: "The award should go to Mrs Harradance for her bravery in coping with her past pregnancy problems, and then the added strain of discovering that she had diabetes. The award itself recognises that the care of pregnant women is a team effort and I think this is especially so at the Rosie. We are all delighted for Mr and Mrs Harradance and their young family."

The team was presented with their award at a special presentation in Birmingham on 3 March attended by many of Baby Lifeline's celebrity supporters.

March 2005

For further press/media information contact: PR & Communications Department, Box 53, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2QQ; Tel: 01223 274 433; Fax: 01223 257 143; Minicom: 01223 274 604.