A REDDITCH mum has praised staff at the Worcestershire Royal Hospital after her baby was born there - 10 weeks early.

Sam Dowling, who admitted she was initially worried about travelling to Worcester, was in hospital for seven weeks after the birth.

She said the care she received was exemplary and said any mums-to-be in Redditch who have to travel to Worcester have nothing to fear.

Sam thanked everyone in the maternity department and neonatal department at the Royal.

She said: "No one prepares for their baby to come 10 weeks early but from the moment we got there to the moment we left the hospital seven weeks later all the staff have been fantastic and are brilliant at their jobs for both the care they gave me and my son.

"I was so worried initially travelling from Redditch to Worcester to have my baby when we have a hospital on our doorstep but to anyone expecting a baby in Redditch I would not worry about a thing as you will definitely be in good hands."

She added: "Oscar was born January 23 weighing 2ib 14oz and now is 5ib 10 and it’s all thanks to everyone who cared for him, so a big thank you as I do feel that they do not get the praise that they deserve."