'Awe-inspiring docs saved my baby's life'.

Byline: ALISON PHILLIPS

WE are probably all more than a little guilty of taking our NHS for granted.

We trundle along to our GP, health clinic or hospital, confident that our problem will soon be sorted out.

It is only when something goes seriously wrong that we appreciate how extraordinary the service is - which is what happened to me a fortnight ago.

After two natural births I thought my third labour would be a breeze.

But within minutes of arriving at the maternity ward of the Queen's Hospital in Romford, Essex, it was clear that this was to be very different.

After being put on a monitor, the midwife discovered my baby son's heartbeat was dropping dangerously low every time I had a contraction. An emergency caesarean section was the only option to get him out quickly.

The speed and professionalism of staff was awe-inspiring and saved my son's life or prevented him from suffering permanent damage.

A midwife said: "Somebody up there must have been looking out for him."

Perhaps so, but she was doing herself and her colleagues a disservice.

Every day the NHS saves lives - with no bill attached. Unlike so many other countries around the world.

Obviously, though, it is not a perfect system. There are serious issues that need to be addressed but we must never forget the brilliance of our NHS.

CAPTION(S):

SCARE Mirror's Alison with baby Bart after the emergency caesarean