"Maternity Care"

I wanted to share my experience both the positive and unfortunately not so positive.  The maternity team from Dyce linked to the medical practice were fantastic throughout my pregnancy.  This included a home visit when I wasn't feeling great and numerous visits for sweeps which towards the end included tears due to pure frustration.  A special thanks to Lauren and Rachel, you both took the time to listen & help with any concerns and symptoms I had,  I am a 2nd time mum and at no point during my antenatal care was I made to feel like I should already be aware of certain things as I was a mum already.

I was scanned regularly during my pregnancy and also visited the day clinic for monitoring which led to a visit to the labour ward due to a reduced heart beat.  Both the sonographer staff and the nurses in the day clinic were great taking time to explain and reassure me.  

Following the visit to the labour ward on and further monitoring we were sent home to return the following day for induction at the medical staffs request, unfortunately this was postponed due to bed and staffing pressures until after the weekend.  I returned  for induction using the balloon method.  The information provided was that the balloon would be inserted and we would then return in 24 hours for removal and for my waters to be broken, it was also explained that the balloon may fall out at home and to contact the ward if this was to happen.  It was clear following the conversation with the midwife that they were short staffed and under extreme pressure struggling to leave the ward for breaks.  

When at home getting ready to go back to hospital for removal of the balloon it fell out.  I contacted the triage line and was greeted by  in my opinion a rather rude midwife.  I explained that the balloon had came out and they rudely advised me to get comfy at home as I would have a long wait and I would be contacted by the labour ward when a bed was available.  I asked a few questions as this was not what I was advised on the last time I was in .The midwife took no time to explain anything just laughed when I asked if there was a time frame and said no anytime day or night.  The phone call quickly came to and end with no explanation of, things to watch out for bleeding etc and I felt I was left in limbo bearing in mind I have another child at home that would require looking after when I received a phone call. 

 I contacted the ward on the following day as I experienced some fresh bleeding and again I felt I was made to feel that I  was wasting time contacting them.  I contacted the ward again to ask for a time frame and to make sure I had not been forgotten about as this was how it felt with no communication, the lovely receptionist provided me with some information on the waiting time.  

I fully understand the need for this process and obviously other woman take priority and spontaneous deliveries impact on bed availability and the staffing impact on the use of beds however the lack of communication and the feeling that you were forgotten about was terrible and I strongly feel that there should be some daily contact made even by the receptionist so you don't feel forgotten 

We eventually got a phone call to attend labour ward 3 days later in the evening, the relief receiving that phone call was overwhelming resulting in tears of pure relief.  We were greeted by a lovely midwife Kay and a paramedic student Ruth who were both fantastic.  The time was taken to explain everything and managed to brake my waters.  We were then greeted by my midwife Abbie for overnight.  Abbie was so kind, again took the time to explain things, compassionate and was so reassuring and encouraging.  The medical staff Karen and David again were fantastic, explained everything and kept a close eye preforming regular tests on baby due to reduced heart rate.  Baby arrived safely,  we were provided with excellent, compassionate and safe care during my time in the labour ward.

We were transferred to the postnatal ward just after morning handover as baby required further monitoring.   The HCSW that completed the observations was great, not rushed and took her time with a very friendly and reassuring manner.  The paediatrician Sylvia again was great explaining everything and not rushed, she advised us to stay overnight for further observations on baby.  

The midwifes on the ward were lovely but clearly short staffed and rushed.  Due to this the standards of care were lacking as the staff were stretched.  We asked for a change of sheets for the bed and was handed them and told where the dirty linen went, this was a short time after arriving on the ward not having full sensation post epidural and a significant tear.  There was a lack of water jugs being offered or freshened up, over 12 hours without being offered fresh water.  Sadly was made to feel like as this was my 2nd baby and I should know what to do.

We were advised that we could be discharged in the morning as everything was ready - drugs etc and to arrange my lift.   We waited until the afternoon before being discharged and was told by the HCSW the staff were waiting for the medical team to print off discharge letter.  When we received the discharge letter it had been printed the previous day.

I believe that the staffing levels impacted on certain aspects of my care during my journey and this was confirmed with overheard conversations between staff. I hope this feedback is helpful and hope that the positive is shared with the teams involved.