"Support, compassion and exceptional care"

We attended Warrington Hospital in September for a planned induction and birth of our first child, these comments are in reference to the induction process, labour and post labour care received at Croft Wing. 

Overall we feel that we received an excellent level of care, despite some challenges experienced during the short stay we had in hospital.

The induction process;

We attended a planned induction and were reassured by an excellent Midwife (Julie) that we would not require a medical induction and that a planned Artificial Rupture of Membranes (ARM) would be sufficient - this was fully explained and detailed to us, however there was no expected time frame for this procedure due to the busy nature of the labour ward and delivery suite. We were kept overnight in the induction of labour suite, which is a small bedded area; unfortunately this was quite a noisy area and didn’t feel hugely private. Staff were clearly pressured and being pulled between this suite, the delivery suite and post natal wards; staff worked very hard and were all personable and supportive but were clearly being run-ragged with tasks.

Unfortunately this meant that my partner missed meals, which we resolved ourselves by using the excellent on-site facilities (hospital shop and Costa), which also helped us move around the site with the hope of naturally inducing labour. The induction of labour documentation which was provided to us prior to attending mentions a pull out bed for birth partners to stay over, this was not the case unfortunately and only a non-reclining hospital chair was available. Due to this we spoke with our Consultant (Dr Arya) who showed excellent compassion and understanding and supported our plan to take home leave and return when a bed became available on the delivery suite. 

Delivery Suite;

Charlotte (Midwife) contacted us at home and booked us in to a delivery room; Charlotte met us on arrival and explained the ARM procedure; we both immediately warmed to her kind nature and positivity. Throughout the initial stages of labour, Charlotte was on hand to reassure, support and advise regarding pain relief and other queries. Charlotte embodied the true values of the NHS, showing excellent compassion, understanding and holistic care; this immediately helped us to forget the challenges of the induction process. We want to thank Charlotte for her support and compassion, we are both truly grateful for her input and guidance. 

In the morning we progressed further into labour, and another Midwife (Helen) took over the care from Charlotte seamlessly; Helen showed a similar manner to Charlotte, holistic and supportive with us as a couple. There were some concerns regarding our baby’s heart rate which I recognised, with Helen calmly asking for support using the emergency buzzer; my wife was absolutely unaware of this, due to Helen’s calm professionalism. Dr Arya arrived to offer support alongside Midwife Micaela, who both showed a huge degree of compassion and understanding; the team cohesion and leadership was evident, I felt immediately reassured and understood in clear language what was happening, my role was to support my wife towards a natural delivery if possible.

This was respected and supported with a natural delivery happening at 13:06 with Helen’s and the Shift Lead’s support. Each part of the delivery was clearly explained and described, supportive but assertive instruction was given to me and my wife to help safely deliver our son; the balance between assertion and support was excellent and we both responded well to this approach - thank you to Helen, Dr Arya and Micaela for your caring and supportive nature, again embodying the true values of the NHS, in our eyes. 

We were supported to have skin to skin with our baby boy, with no feeling that we were rushed. Helen asked sensitively what we would like to do and what was important to us - Helen respected our wishes and did her utmost to ensure we were cared for, especially with regards to initiating breastfeeding so soon after delivery. 

Post labour;

The postnatal ward was busy and bustling with all beds filled bar ours on arrival. Staff were diligent in offering support, with one Midwife in particular offering reassurance with regards to breastfeeding support; we’d like to thank Kayleigh in particular who went above and beyond to support my wife’s and my wishes here. The NIPE was completed by a lovely Midwife called Elaine, who again offered excellent reassurance with regards to breastfeeding. The hearing test was completed by another caring and professional person, whose name we unfortunately don’t have to hand - but we’d like to ensure our thanks are passed to the above people if possible. 

Final thoughts;

Car Parking is subcontracted to a third party. This unfortunately doesn’t allow a car to arrive and leave the site with a ‘pass’, meaning that numerous payments need to be made. In exceptional circumstances a pass can be purchased if staying beyond 24hrs, but this would mean the car cannot leave site due to the ANPR system (or so we were told at the Cash Office). I’d estimate we spent in the region of £40-60 on parking charges due to coming and going, paying to stay and then leaving site; this doesn’t feel fair when other NHS sites really get this right with a singular payment. 

Induction of labour ARM - if we had been aware of the home leave option from the start, this would have potentially resolved the challenges we saw at the start; this would also save a bed and may benefit labouring women and their birth partners. Some sites operate ARM lists, where ladies are sent home and return when a bed becomes available on the delivery suite. 

Please don’t let these suggestions shadow what was an excellent experience; we both work within the NHS in senior roles and completely appreciate the challenges in the system currently. Thank you to you all for your support, compassion and exceptional care. 9/10 overall.