Francesca Baillie
Francesca stored with us for her son Edward who was born in January 2013. We asked Francesca why she chose to store with Smart Cells.
Why did you decide to store your baby’s stem cells?
The medical world is forever evolving and it seems a very real insurance policy to help guard against certain medical problems in the future. I hope to never have to use it, however if that time should ever come, I’ll feel more prepared than if I chose not to store my baby’s stem cells.
What were the deciding factors that helped you to choose Smart Cells to store your baby’s umbilical cord blood stem cells?
I researched the company online to look at other people’s feedback. I Checked industry qualifications and accreditation’s and asked several companies a lot of questions. Smart Cells came across as very professional with the capabilities of being one of the larger companies with a very solid background.
What differentiates Smart Cells from the other private umbilical cord blood stem cell storage companies?
The length of time the company has been operating, the size of the company, the online blogs/feedback and the attention to detail they provided to us.
What was it like working with smart cells?
They were very professional and made what initially felt like a very complicated process very straightforward for us. We had plenty of contact throughout the process and didn’t doubt our decision once.
What did you like most about us?
The quick response to any queries I had and the fact Smart Cells led me through the process and made it very seamless for me to undertake. I also had one main contact at Smart Cells that I could build up a trusting relationship with throughout the process, rather than get passed to a new voice every time which I’ve experienced in other companies.
What obstacle could have prevented you from using our service?
Initially it was a lot of information to absorb as it was a big scientific area that I had no knowledge off. I was also worried about how the NHS would take to my request. However everyone was so supportive and Smart Cells liaised with my local hospital for me to make the process very straightforward.
What would you say to a friend or colleague who was thinking of using Smart Cells?
It’s better to have assurance and not need it, than to wish one day you had of gone for it. Smart Cells help uncomplicated what could have been a very stressful process during my pregnancy and birth. It was very straightforward and didn’t impede in my birthing process and plan whatsoever. All the staff were very professional and I was pleasantly surprised how much support and agreement I received from the NHS staff on how important this was to do, which only reinforced that I was making the right decision. Smart Cells walked me through the whole process from beginning to end which assured me everything was in hand. All the kit they provided was well packaged and straightforward to take to the hospital. Smart Cells were also very friendly and became an extended part of our family during this process.
Would you recommend this service to others? If so, why?
Yes for all the reasons above.
Is there anything else you wish to add?
I really appreciate Smart cells keeping in touch. They store and take care of such an important part of our family that it’s nice to keep the personal bond going and ‘touch base’ once in a while. Again this helps to reinforce the professionalism of the company showing great aftercare and afterthought.