The Team
A team is a group of people who all work together towards a common goal. Our philosophy is to try to offer a holistic service to families, where ultrasound scans, birth preparation/parenting classes and complementary treatments can all be accessed through The Birth Team, either directly or by referral to practitioners we know and trust.
Obstetrician: Richard Sheridan FRCOG FRCS, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
Richard graduated from Guy’s Hospital Medical School in 1979, continuing his postgraduate training in Southampton and in London at Queen Charlotte’s Maternity Hospital, Guy’s, and St Mary’s Paddington. He has been an NHS Consultant at West Herts Health Trust since 1991.
His specialist areas are ultrasound scanning and complications of early pregnancy, medical disorders in pregnancy such as high blood pressure, diabetes, renal and thyroid problems as well as care of women during pregnancy labour and birth. Gynaecologically he manages basic infertility, abnormal periods, hormonal problems, prolapse and incontinence.
In his NHS clinics he is involved in the care of high risk pregnant women with medical conditions and endocrine problems, as well as other complications of pregnancy. His role includes fetal scanning and amniocentesis. With over 20 years experience of labour ward management, he spends time regularly on the labour ward teaching junior doctors how to manage difficult or complicated deliveries.
His private practice is based at the Spire Hospital in Bushey, Herts, and he has been looking after pregnant women as a consultant for 18 years.
Midwife: Sarah Denning RM BSc (Hons), Registered Midwife
Sarah completed her midwifery degree in 2001 after having three children of her own, fulfilling a long-held ambition to become a midwife.
She is experienced in all areas of midwifery, and until May 2009 worked as an NHS midwife in the high risk maternity unit and on the labour ward at Watford Maternity Hospital. Giving up her NHS role became a necessity as The Birth Team grew.
Sarah also really enjoys the antenatal classes she runs at Spire Hospital Bushey, believing that high quality antenatal education is vital in promoting normal birth, especially for new parents – www.theknowledgeantenatal.com
Sarah is passionate about midwifery and the importance of giving information, choice and support to families during childbearing.
When Sarah is away, midwifery cover is usually provided by midwife Lucy Nicopoullos RM BSc(Hons), equally experienced and a long term colleague and friend. Lucy works at Watford Hospital, takes antenatal classes with Sarah & coordinates the Midwife Homecare postnatal visiting service.
Anaesthetists
Dr Srinath Sudunagunta (Dr Srinath) MBBS DA FRCA
Dr Saravanan Rathinam (Dr Saravanan) MBBS DA FRCA
Dr Heather Parry MBchB FRCA
Dr T.Kathirgamanathan (Dr Nathan) MBBS FRCA(Lon) FFARCSI
Dr David Redman MBBS FFARCS
Our Consultant Anaesthetists are on 24 hour call for epidural pain relief in labour or for caesarean section.
Further information please visit www.oaa-anaes.ac.uk (information for mothers)
Paediatrician: Dr Ashley Reece MRCPCH Consultant Paediatrician
Dr Reece is a Consultant Paediatrician at West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust, based at Watford General Hospital. He has a special responsibility for the Children’s Emergency Department and advocates an ambulatory philosophy which aims to keep children at home where possible. He has a General Paediatric interest and sees a wide variety of common problems in babies, children and adolescents.
Dr Reece can see children with their parents/carers at Spire Bushey Hospital , Bishops Wood Hospital or at rooms in Bridgewater House in Watford. Dr Reece is a Consultant practising as part of the Northwood Children’s Network at Bishops Wood Hospital.
If you would like your baby to have a private newborn baby check whilst you are staying on the Knutsford Suite, Dr Reece is often available to do this for you.
If you want to make an appointment with Dr Reece, please contact his secretary on 07949 278 315 or e-mail secretary@DrAshleyReece.co.uk
Complementary Therapists
Using therapies during pregnancy & post birth can be hugely beneficial, to treat & relieve common problems like pelvic pain, constipation, tiredness and stress. Sarah has sourced a group of dynamic, highly experienced therapists/practitioners to help you feel your best.
Reflexology for pregnancy – Sarah Setton MA MCIPD MAR 020 8950 5566 or 07974 250000 www.thereflexologyclinic.co.uk
Acupuncture – Cara Lee Bradshaw Dip HE RGN, BSc(Hons) RM, BSc(Hons) TCM Acupuncture, MBAcC www.whitecranehealing.co.uk – 07966253461
Osteopathy – Sara Randall BSc(Hons) RM B.Ost.Med ND sara_randall@hotmail.com
Homeopathy – Michelle Shine MCH RSHom www.michelleshine.co.uk
Alexander technique – Lindsey Wagstaff.
For an informal chat ring Lindsay on 020 8950 3947.
For more information on the Alexander Technique go to www.stat.org.uk
Pregnancy & baby massage – Charlotte Chicken ITEC DIPHMT CERT BABY MASSAGE 07988 683234 www.completeretreat.me.uk
Birth counsellor- Bette Fraser BA, MSc, Dip couns. 07714 752686. Concerning all emotional aspects of pregnancy, birth & postnatal issues.
Active Birth yoga (Watford)- Karen Patrick 02088825996
Please note that whilst all the therapists/services offered above are known by us to be qualified, experienced personnel who are highly recommended in their area of expertise, we are not responsible for their practice. Please ensure that you are happy with their qualifications before beginning any treatments. These services are entirely independent and are not included in any fees paid to Mr Sheridan.
Secretary: Cathie Pavid
Mr Sheridan’s secretary Cathie is based at the Spire Bushey Hospital and can be contacted Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm:
Call: +44 (0)20 8421 8537