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"A simple call would have been great"

About: Antrim Area Hospital / Ward C2 Maternity care Maternity care / Ward 48 (labour ward)

(as a service user),

I had been under the care of 2 staff consistently throughout my whole pregnancy. Everything went well and I felt like i was listened to and received great patient centred care.

When I was 36 +5 my waters broke and I came up to Antrim where I was assessed and admitted. One of the two staff under whose care I was came and checked on me before they left at the end of the day. As the night proceeded I was informed that there was no neonatal beds and that labour ward was minus beds. I could potentially have to be transferred hospitals. I had asked, if I was to be, to be referred to the Royal. From checking my notes when I got home I see this this referral was not done, even though I was told it was.

I was then accepted to transfer to Altnagelvin. I completely understood why the need for transfer but I feel like it was not done openly and honestly.

I was then blue lighted to Altnagelvin and 28 hours later via emergency c section my twins where born. Altnagelvin was amazing and I will always be grateful. The difficulty was getting home with premature twins and a very stressful journey for us, also my husband having to drive up everyday day 1 hour and 30 minutes. I feel like none of this was taken into account and it was a simple we need beds and move myself out. 

As I have mentioned my journey prior to this had been great and I felt very informed. But I am somewhat disappointed 2 weeks later and I had hoped for some sort of follow up. The two staff caring for me originally had been great but I feel like once I was transferred out of Antrim I was then Altnagelvin's issue. To complete my journey a simple call would have been great to see how I was after everything that had happened. This has now dampened my journey that was what I thought great. 

Now unfortunately I feel like just a number.

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Responses

Response from Louisa Lapworth, Lead Midwife, Maternity Services, Women, Children and Families, NHSCT 11 months ago
Louisa Lapworth
Lead Midwife, Maternity Services, Women, Children and Families,
NHSCT
Submitted on 13/06/2024 at 11:04
Published on Care Opinion at 11:04


Dear leon9,

Firstly, Congratulations to you and your husband on the birth of your babies,

Thankyou for taking the time to share your feedback on the Care Opinion platform. I am sorry to hear of some of the challenges that you have faced in relation to your transfer. Transferring women and babies is not a decision we take lightly. We always act in our women's best interests, prioritizing the safety and wellbeing of mums and babies. Normally, we would seek to transfer to the nearest locality in the first instance, if there is cot availability. Unfortunately as I don't have your details, I am unable to comment directly on your personal circumstances.

I would value a conversation with you to discuss this further if you felt this was appropriate and I can review and respond to your queries directly.

My contact details are below

Once again, thankyou for your time and Congratulations,

Louisa Lapworth

Interim Lead Midwife

Tel 07825 106240

Louisa.lapworth@northerntust.hscni.net

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