"Continuity of care leads to a positive outcome"

I began this pregnancy with a lot of anxiety, lack of trust in the maternity care system and uncertainty about the choices that I would make regarding my care and birth plans. The antenatal diabetes team at the Western General Hospital made a huge difference in the care that I received. In particular Dr Love and Dr Ritchie ensured that I received continuity of care throughout my pregnancy. Dr Love took the time to answer my questions and explain all of my options. She went above and beyond to ensure that she could attend all of my appointments and made additional arrangements to promote a better outcome in this pregnancy and birth. Dr Love practices with integrity. After previous negative experiences in my care, I feel so fortunate that she was my obstetric consultant. She arranged for me to visit St. John’s to tour the hospital and meet with Dr Austen and charge midwife Kirsty. Dr Love and Kirsty took the time to sit down with me and discuss my birth preferences. This conversation was invaluable when trying to decide what was important to me and how I could be supported in hospital.

I ultimately decided to have an induction at St. John’s . Overall I had a very positive experience. The antenatal ward was incredibly busy and short staffed, but despite this midwives kept me informed throughout the process and offered care and comfort as my labour progressed. I was relieved when I could move to labour ward, and I am very happy with the care that I received from Toni [sp?] and charge midwife Marianne.

I would also like to thank Elaine and Julie, midwives at the WGH antenatal Diabetes clinic and receptionist (who sadly I do not know her name) at the WGH metabolic unit who was always welcoming and helpful with my inquiries, Maritha, who was midwife for my booking appointment, and listened with compassion, and Racheal, lead midwife for Leith Community.

The respectful, compassionate care that I received during this pregnancy really made a difference in how I felt and the choices that I made. I believe this experience demonstrates the importance of continuity of care and how it positively influences women’s experiences of maternity services.