Midwife who saw first and last babies born at King George Hospital retires at closure party

Lizzie Dearden, Reporter Thursday, March 21, 2013
11:06 AM

The closure of King George Hospital’s labour ward on Tuesday marked the start of life at a more relaxed pace for three midwives who retired at the party.

Kathleen Cadam, Amy Lester and Beryl Agbley have notched up an incredible 105 years of service delivering babies between them.

Mrs Lester, 62, had incredibly seen the first babies born on the ward - a set of triplets – and the last.

She described the “laughs and tears” with mums and staff over nearly 20 years on the ward.

Mrs Lester, of Barking, said: “I’ve always been a midwife and I’ve always enjoyed it.

“My babies have come back to be mothers themselves and I’ve delivered babies from the same families.

“I’m going to get some time for myself now after years helping other women.

“I have a granddaughter who is three and it will be nice to spend some quality time with her.”

Director of midwifery Wendy Matthews paid tribute to the three women’s contribution as they were clapped and cheered by their colleagues.