60 seconds with Doris Neequaye, midwife in Newham Maternity Service
What are your plans now you’ve retired from Newham?
After 27 years I have decided to go put my feet up and relax!
What made you stay at Newham for so many years?
I have been here since I was a newly qualified midwife. I could have changed hospitals at some point but Newham has always felt like home.
All I ever wanted to be was a midwife and being at Newham I feel was the best choice I could have made. As challenging as it has been sometimes, I know I have learnt a lot, and surprised myself on many occasions. I had the good fortune to work with some excellent managers who saw something in me that even I did not know I had, and dragged me kicking and screaming out of my comfort zone!
What has Newham taught you?
I have learnt something from every one I have come across at some point and I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to work here. It’s an amazing team who work hard in what can be at times challenging circumstances.
What’s the best thing about being a midwife?
You can make a difference every day in so many ways.
What advice would you give to our Maternity team at Newham and across the Trust?
Remember to enjoy your journey. Be kind to each other and have compassion for one another and also learn from each other.
What do you hope your Newham legacy is?
I hope I have been able to have a positive impact in some way and been a good role model.
Before you head off to retirement, what one last thing would you like to say to our Newham maternity team?
I have enjoyed my time at Newham and I want to thank everyone I have worked with over the years.