In the late 1980s I was working as a Patients Services Manager with 5 years experience of NHS Strategic Management. One of the Consultant Surgeons spotted my engagement ring and told me that I was not to have a baby.

Following my marriage and during advanced pregnancy I found myself in the position of having to reapply for my own job and was unsuccessful.

As a consequence of stress and the hormone imbalances of childbirth I became ill soon after the birth of my child and could not face the prospect of fighting my case or returning to work at the hospital. I have never worked in the NHS since.