I am a fan of your writing (as seen here) David so woohoo!!!

I am also about to return to the deep(ish) south so keep reminding me about the cold. I wonder if my accent will come back?

In addition to my nomination of AMI Insurance ladies, I have received some amazing customer service this week so beyond the call fo duty that I'd probably get the guy in trouble if I explained it.

Also the staff at Casa Java in Raumati Beach are AWESOME.

I like this idea as too often we focus on the negative

The ladies at AMI Insurance Paraparaumu. We seem to have had a run of misfortune this year and Gale and Kieran have been AWESOME. They supplied tissues one day when it all go too much and have been helpful, supportive and I couldn't ask more from them.

I have to agree with Deborah about Palmerston. I had baby #1 and #2 there (both preemies) However I worked there and knew all the staff so I don't know how much difference that made. My partner was able to stay with me the night of baby #1s c/s birth because we were from "out of town" but things had changed for baby #2. I have to say their neonate department was super wonderful and I pretty much camped there full time with both those babies for 3 weeks before they let us home.

Baby #3 was born at home last year 'almost' fullterm

I reckon your experience of facilities is pretty much down to the staff on the day form the cleaners and clerical staff right through to senior consultants whihc doesn't seem right to me.

Jen - sorry I didn't mean to imply YOU were in denial (that was ME with baby #1 - and #2 truth be told). I am sorry you guys had such an experience. I hate hearing stories like that - makes me frustrated.

Happy birthday Bob!

When I had my first baby I swore I wasn't in labour (It was 6 weeks early and I was working as a rural midiwfe myself at the time) After being rushed by ambulance the hour trip to hospital by my midwife and while being assessed by the doctors (prem, breech baby coming fast) I was still waving my diary around trying to get someone to take over my next day's appointments. I think they call that denial.

Just it going to court passes the "justice takes its course" for me.

I agree but it hasn't got there yet...

I have been watching this thread and the whole issue has been "triggering" for me. I think Vietch not appearing to take responsibility has been one of the worst parts (few offenders of this type do) and the excuses....well to me its never ok.

I have actually unsubscribed to a few blogs over their coverage of this.

I was talking to some one who works for a counselling phoneline today and she said they've had heaps of calls from women for whom this Vietch thing has been very "triggering". People are deeply affected when this stuff is in the news but you don't hear from them on forums like this so much. Personally I am pleased a formal complaint has been made. I hope justice takes its course but I'm not holding my breath

I see now "Friends of Veitch" are slipping info to the press

http://stuff.co.nz/4624560a10.html

The article makes me feel a bit sick. I wondered how long it would take for more finger pointing in Dunne-Powell's direction

I am taking the tea towel option: http://artandmylife.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/muldoon.jpg