"Appointment times, a strategy needs to be put in place"

I was given a morning appt at the antenatal clinic, altnagelvin, but was still waiting to be seen long after. I myself work in healthcare and fully understand how short staffed and pressured the services are, however there was no explanation provided or apology offered as to why we were waiting so long. It seems to be that everyone just arrives at the one time and it then becomes a first come first serve basis. There was also several people who arrived after us but were seen before us. Why provide appt times if these cannot be honoured. If I was late for my appt I am sure the staff would be letting me know! I understand there are both midlife and consultant led clinics but the appts system needs an overhaul.

This is no single person's fault however being currently 32 weeks pregnant with bad pelvic girdle pain and sitting for this length of time on a hard chair is not ideal. I was not the only woman to comment on the wait times when I attended the antenatal clinic. There does not seem to be a system and this needs to be addressed. I was told to expect to wait at least an hour to be seen, however this was the first time I was ever informed of this. Both myself and my husband had gotten out of work to attend the appt which again is not ideal. Like I've said, I understand how understaffed the services are but the whole process could be improved which would in turn improve patient care outcomes. 

On speaking to one of the lead midwives I suggested informing people of waiting times when they initially check in for their appt. Use of an information board was also mentioned if clinics are running behind. I don't think this is much to ask. Attending these appts can be very worrying for expectant mothers given different circumstances and I think a strategy needs to be put in place to alleviate this anxiety!