Former King’s patient celebrates seven years as a midwife

07 May 2024 - Decades after Victoria Larlham was cared for at King’s College Hospital, she is celebrating seven years as a midwife, giving back to the Trust that made sure she was born safely.

Community Midwife Victoria Larlham is marking a 45-year milestone since she and her mother both received care at King’s College Hospital, shortly before her birth. She explained: “In 1980, a few months before her due date, my mum was put on bed rest in one of the maternity units at her local hospital, which was King’s. One of the doctors who cared for her – and me – was Professor Kypros Nicolaides, who went on to become a world-famous pioneer of fetal surgery, saving the lives of some of the country’s sickest and smallest patients. My mum has never forgotten how he helped make sure I was born safely and often refers to me as one of Kypros Nicolaides’ babies!”

Victoria, 45, who lives in Tulse Hill in Lambeth, now has four of her own children, all born at King’s College Hospital. She added: “I was cared for by some amazing King’s midwives when I had my children. I will never forget Miriam McCarthy, a student midwife at the time and now a Matron at King’s, who helped deliver my first baby, Olivia, 20 years ago. Seeing the difference Miriam was able to make planted a seed in my mind, and over time it became my ambition to become a midwife at King’s.”

Victoria qualified as a midwife in 2017, and has been working at King’s College Hospital ever since. In her current role she works in the Trust’s Lotus Team, supporting vulnerable women and parents through pregnancy and beyond. “I absolutely love my job, my fantastic colleagues, and the families and parents-to-be I see every day. It can be really challenging, but it is such a privilege to help support women through their pregnancy. I cannot imagine doing anything else.”

Professor Kypros Nicolaides said: “How amazing that Victoria has decided to devote her life to helping pregnant women and unborn babies. She is an inspiration and I am delighted we are now both part of Team King’s.”

Miriam McCarthy, Midwifery Matron at King’s College Hospital, said: “I am so glad that Victoria is part of the midwifery team here at King’s. She is a compassionate and caring midwife. It is an honour to have played a part in Victoria’s journey.”