18 May 2018
The NHS turns 70 this year and we know that it wouldn’t be the institution that it is today, without the people behind it.
Between now and Thursday 5 July which is the NHS’ big day, we are going to share stories of some of the inspirational people and teams who work and volunteer often behind the scenes at our hospitals.
When a baby dies in pregnancy, there is currently no formal way to recognise their birth.
This is Mick.
He is one of our unsung heroes. He who works behind the scenes to produce special certificates that can be given to families with their baby dies.
Using his calligraphy skills, he painstakingly writes out each certificate individually which takes around 45 minutes. It’s something he has been doing in his own time for 20 years.
He said: “It all started when my friend’s twins died in pregnancy in 1998 and I wanted to do something useful because I felt so helpless. I had been to night school to learn calligraphy and was asked to produce a certificate and it just grew from there. Producing the certificates for the hospital is something I really take pride in. I hope it gives people some comfort at such a sad time.”
Alison Talbot, Head of Midwifery said: “There is no doubt that the contribution that Mick gives makes a difference to parents in the dark hours following a loss. We appreciate his dedication and thank him on behalf of our staff and the parents who have received certificates.”
Thank you Mick !
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BLOOD TESTING DUE TO COVID-19
If you are experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, e.g. fever, loss of taste or continuous new cough, please DO NOT attend for a blood test.
Click on the map for information about phlebotomy clinics in Coventry. You can book an appointment online at the locations in red.
Please book an appointment before attending for a blood test. Click on the ‘Book Online’ button above. Booking an appointment helps patients, their carers and family members to plan their hospital visit better, helping to reduce clinic waiting times and enabling patients to be seen much more quickly.
Location: Outpatients Department, on the ground floor. Opening hours: 8am-4.45pm, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays).
Children under 16 years old will need to book online here.
Please book an appointment before attending for a blood test, click on the ‘Book Online’ button above. Patients from Rugby and the surrounding areas are able to access the Friends Blood Taking Unit at the Hospital of St Cross.
Referrals for blood tests can be from GP's, practice nurses or from hospital consultants. Patients are also able to leave other samples, such as urine, which have been collected at home, at the hospital's Pathology Reception.
Location: Near Brookfield House, just off North Road - map here. Opening hours: The blood taking clinic sessions for adults and children are listed below:
Monday -Friday 7am-4:45pm Appointment only
Wednesday Evening 5pm-7pm Suspended due to COVID
Saturday Morning 7am-10pm Suspended due to COVID
April 2020 NEW - This Clinic is now by appointment. Please book an appointment before attending for a blood test. Click on the ‘Book Online’ button above.
Address: Stoney Stanton Road, Coventry CV1 4FS Location: Access is via the main doors, the Phlebotomy team are in Area A. Opening hours: Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays). 8am–4.45pm
Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT)
Specialist Tests - There are a small number of specialist tests where blood needs to be taken on a hospital site as the sample must be transferred to the laboratory rapidly for the test to be undertaken. Click here for a list of these specialist tests and to find out more.