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Two quick-thinking colleagues have been reunited with the grateful parents they assisted during a dramatic car park birth at Hinchingbrooke Hospital.

James Gingell and Katie Good from Peterborough arrived at the hospital in the early hours of Easter Saturday this year, after being advised by the maternity team to come in.

 

But Katie had barely made it across the hospital car park when baby Oliver decided to make an early appearance!

James said: “What followed happened incredibly quickly. During the next contraction, Katie was standing holding on to me when her waters broke and in that same moment, our baby was born - so suddenly that he arrived into her clothing before we had fully grasped what was happening.”

And it was the urgent yet calming actions and steady reassuring voices of Hinchingbrooke Hospital colleagues, healthcare assistant Sam Craigie and interim deputy divisional nursing director Ana Jardimthat led to their recent Health Hero nomination.

 

Their quick thinking supported Katie safely to the ground and gently retrieved baby Oliver from her clothing, placing him on her chest in the moments before Emergency Department and Labour Ward staff arrived. Sam took off his uniform to wrap baby Oliver in. 

Ana said: “When we arrived, things were moving very quickly and we had time to support the baby's head and helped mum onto the floor. Both mum and dad were very emotional, and we were able to tell them it was a boy!”

The quick-acting duo were shortlisted in the Health Hero category at North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust's recent Outstanding Achievement Awards.

 

And the five were reunited at the Peterborough Cathedral ceremony, with Sam and Ana reeling from the emotional surprise.

 

Katie said: “It meant so much to us to meet the incredible people who helped us when Oliver made his surprise arrival in the hospital car park. 

“We've thought about them so often over the last few months, so having the opportunity to thank them in person was incredibly emotional and something we'll never forget. It was also lovely to see their reaction to meeting Oliver all these months later - it really brought everything full circle.

“It is a story we will tell for the rest of our lives, and on in which Trust staff will always be remembered with deep gratitude.”

James added: “In what could have been a moment of panic, Sam and Ana's composure and kindness brought an immediate sense of safety.

“We are immensely grateful to every single person involved - from those who came running to help, to those who continued our care inside the hospital - in what was an unforgettable and dramatic start to Easter Saturday.”

 

And nominations are now open for the Health Hero Award 2027. This coveted award invites the public to nominate members of Team North West Anglia who they believe have played a vital role in providing them with outstanding care Health Hero Award: nomination form

Health Hero shortlisters Ana Jardim and Sam Craigie were reunited with parents James and Katie and baby Oliver at the Trust's Outstanding Achievement Awards.