Nurse Olaide Arubayi Saves the Day, Helps Mother Deliver Baby Safely in Car at Lagos Hospital
FNA NEWS, 30th OF OCTOBER, 2026
A nurse at General Hospital Isolo, Lagos State, has demonstrated exceptional clinical competence after helping an expectant mother deliver a baby inside a car at the hospital premises.
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Chief Nursing Officer Olaide Arubayi responded to the emergency on Saturday, 24 October 2026, while conducting her routine morning rounds. She heard a man shouting for help near the hospital’s Maternal and Child Centre (MCC).
The man had brought his wife to the hospital, but she went into advanced labour before reaching the maternity unit. When Arubayi arrived at the vehicle, she noticed that the baby’s head had already become visible.
She immediately called for assistance and took charge of the situation. With calm instructions and timely guidance, she helped the expectant mother through the delivery. The woman’s husband also assisted under her direction.
At exactly 9:40 a.m., the mother delivered a live female baby inside the car. The newborn cried immediately after birth, bringing relief to the parents and other people at the scene.
The baby recorded Apgar scores of 7 at one minute and 8 at five minutes. These scores provided an initial assessment of the newborn’s condition after delivery.
Nurse Ensures Immediate Care for Mother and Newborn
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Following the delivery, the nursing team promptly cleaned and wrapped the newborn. They then transferred the baby to the Labour Ward for further care.
Arubayi also ensured that the mother received immediate attention. Hospital staff subsequently wheeled her into the Labour Ward, where her husband joined her.
The Chief Nursing Officer then handed over both mother and baby to the Labour Ward team. She provided details of the delivery and their initial assessments to support continuity of care.
The hospital team also contacted the paediatrician on call, Dr Abikoye, to examine the newborn. Following the assessment, the doctor confirmed that the baby was in good condition.
A Reminder of the Importance of Nursing Preparedness
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The incident highlights the critical role nurses play in emergency maternal and newborn care. It also demonstrates how clinical knowledge, quick thinking and effective teamwork can make a difference during unexpected childbirth.
Although childbirth is a natural process, some deliveries progress rapidly and require immediate attention. In such situations, healthcare professionals must recognise the urgency, provide appropriate care and coordinate further medical support.
Nurses often respond to emergencies beyond designated clinical areas. Their responsibilities require sound judgement, professional competence and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
However, individual dedication must also go hand in hand with institutional preparedness. Healthcare facilities need effective emergency response systems, adequate staffing and essential resources to support healthcare workers and protect patients.
The mother, identified as Mrs Chinonye Odoh, is a 29-year-old woman in her first pregnancy. She and her newborn left the hospital on Sunday, 25 October 2026.
According to a statement from Mordi Patricia of the hospital’s Press and Public Affairs unit, the family expressed heartfelt appreciation to Nurse Arubayi for her prompt intervention.
Arubayi’s response offers a reminder of the difference that professional nursing care can make in critical moments. When emergencies arise, the ability to act promptly, calmly and competently can help secure better outcomes for mothers and their newborns.
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Fellow Nurses Africa is the independent voice of African nursing, we educate, inform and support nurses across Africa.
Durowoju Abisola is a registered nurse, nurse writer and On-Air Correspondent at Fellow Nurses Africa (FNA), passionate about nursing leadership, health education and advocacy.
Through journalism, storytelling and content creation, she amplifies important conversations around nursing, healthcare and the experiences of nurses in Nigeria. She is committed to using her voice and professional knowledge to educate the public, challenge misconceptions and inspire the next generation of nurses.
