At Orford House, the Coulsdon-based residential care home run by charity, Friends of the Elderly – which is celebrating its 120th anniversary this year – resident, Patricia Walcott-Lee has been reminiscing about her rewarding career as a Midwife to mark and celebrate this year’s International Day of the Midwife,.
The International Day of the Midwife started in 1992 to recognise Midwives' critical role in maternal and newborn health. Patricia, who was born and raised in Jamacia, knew from a very early age that she wanted to become a Midwife.
“I remember playing with a baby’s pram at home and thought to myself how wonderful if would be to spend my life bringing new lives into the world,” said Patricia.
At school Patricia studied hard to fulfil her dream of becoming a Midwife. “I liked school, but particularly enjoyed the History, English and, of course, Biology classes,” Patricia continued.
“The choice of career never left me and as soon as I left school, I began my Midwifery training, gaining both a State Enrolled Nurse (SEN) and a State Registered Nurse (SRN) qualification. This allowed me to progress and to specialise in Midwifery and Pediatric nursing.”
As a Midwife, Patricia’s role was an extremely busy one as she not only provided comprehensive care and support to women and their families throughout their entire pregnancy journeys, but also through to each new Mum’s early postnatal period.
“As a Midwife I was the principal healthcare provider for many women,” continued Patricia. “I was there to listen to each concern or worry, ease away any anxiety or apprehensions and guide each Mum To Be through their labour and delivery. I was also on hand to provide antenatal care, offer postnatal support which also included helping and supporting with breastfeeding and, of course, newborn care. It was such a wonderful job.”
Patricia met her Husband, Horace, and after they were married, the happy couple moved to South London where Patricia worked as a Midwife if several hospitals.
“I worked as a Midwife in over seven hospitals, mainly in South London, but also in Sevenoaks and Chatham in Kent,” added Patricia. “I always thoroughly loved my job and am so happy, and so proud, that I was fortunate enough to deliver so many beautiful, bouncing babies over the years.”
Patricia and Horace became parents themselves. “We have a daughter named Connie and a son called Errol, and now I’m a proud Grandmother to my Grandson, Shaun,” continued Patricia.
Patricia moved to Orford House as she liked the care home and its welcoming, happy environment.
“My family and I thought that the care home was the perfect place for me. It’s a beautiful place to live, with so much taking place every day, I’m never lonely or at a loss for something to do. I used to love cooking and gardening and I’m lucky that I still get to enjoy those things living here at Orford House,” added Patricia.
“Patricia is a joy to have living with us at Orford House,” said Michelle Kennett, the Registered Manager at the care home. “She’s a really wonderful lady who has a smile which lights up the room. Patricia loves joining in with our wide range of meaningful activities but is particularly fond of our music and sing-along sessions, and she’ll always attend the shows by our visiting entertainers. Patricia is so caring and friendly; she really is a much loved member of the Orford House family.”
“Someone asked me the other day, what would be the best piece of advice that I’d give to a younger person today? It’s simple, exactly what my Father told me, ‘Don’t break the law.’ He was a very respected Policemen and his words have stuck with me as I’ve never broken the law, ever.
"I’ve done very well by living by his advice, so that’s what I’d pass on. Honesty really is the best policy,” concluded Patricia.