About 25 doctors and midwives rushed to the scene to save the life of Rebecca McDermott after she gave birth at Royal Preston Hospital's Sharoe Green Unit on Friday.

Ms McDermott, who also works as a catering assistant at RPH, underwent nine blood transfusions and was taken into theatre twice.

In total she lost around six litres – the average adult's body contains around five.

She spent two days in intensive care but is now expected to make a full recovery after leaving hospital on Tuesday. Despite the traumatic labour, her baby daughter Hayley was born safely, weighing 8lbs 30z, and is doing very well.

Ms McDermott, 24, of Manor Park in Fulwood, said: "I was very lucky. They said it was touch and go – the nurses said they had never seen anything as serious in over 19 years. There was a 50-50 chance I would survive.

"I lost six litres of blood and ended up going into theatre. I spent Friday and Saturday in intensive care.

"I was absolutely terrified but I am so grateful to all of the staff. I just want to thank the NHS. If it wasn't for them I would not be here today.

"My daughter is perfectly fine – she is absolutely beautiful and I love her to bits."

Her partner Andrew Mitchell, 27, said: "Hayley is a miracle baby. She's got my blue eyes and mousy, light-coloured hair. She has got chubby cheeks and a little nose like my partner's.

"She has never cried – she's been absolutely fantastic through a time like this.

"Doctors said Rebecca haemorrhaged, which is normal in childbirth, but to bleed on such a scale is rare. Rebecca thought she was dying."

Mr Mitchell, who works as a warehouse operative for CPC in Darwen, added: "I'm feeling a lot better that my missus is still here. We have had a lucky escape."

A spokesman for Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: "It is nice to staff getting recognition for their hard work and commitment."

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