Medical departments nominated for award after baby delivered in car park

Two hospital departments have been nominated for an award after a baby was delivered in “dramatic” style in a car park.

The teams from the emergency and maternity departments had to act quickly when Nina Segal, 35, from Forest Hill, arrived at King’s College Hospital in Denmark Hill on a sunny day in June, ready to give birth to her son much sooner than anyone had realised.

After a quick assessment outside the hospital, the medics saw that Ms Segal’s labour had progressed much sooner than first thought, and they would not have time to take her inside. Her son, Ted Segal, would have to be born right there in the car park.

Ms Segal said: “Ted was born on the afternoon of June 25, after a very fast labour – so fast we didn’t make it inside the hospital.

“He was delivered safely just outside the entrance by an amazing team from King’s. It is testament to the care we received that despite the speedy birth I never felt like either Ted or I were in any danger.

“We are so grateful for the care and expertise of everyone from King’s who helped deliver him – from the maternity and emergency department teams to the medics who were on their breaks – one eating a Cornetto – but stepped in immediately to help us, and for the incredible antenatal care we had before the birth.

“Ted is almost four months now and a very calm and happy baby – and nowhere near as dramatic as his arrival.”

The two departments have been nominated for the Lifesaver of the Year award category of the King’s Stars Annual Awards, supported by the King’s College Hospital Charity.

The awards recognise staff and teams at the Trust who go the extra mile for patients and the wider community. The winner of the Lifesaver of the Year award is selected by the public.

The public can now cast their vote for the Lifesaver of the Year award category in King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust’s annual awards, with winners announced on November 2.

Talking about Ted’s arrival, Ms Segal said: “I never felt like either Ted or I were in any danger. But I do see that it could have all gone very differently. Everyone at King’s is amazing and we are very, very grateful.”

To cast your vote, click here. Voting closes at 5pm on Wednesday.

Pictured top: Baby Ted Segal moments after he was born in King’s College Hospital’s car park, surrounded by emergency and maternity medics (Picture: Nina Segal)