When I found out I was pregnant at the end of 2013, I phoned the telephone number to self-refer which can easily be found online. This is a positive, good to know it's easily available for all who have internet access...but when I phoned the number I was actually hoping to speak to a person on the other end of the telephone. Unfortunately, after a few attempts and getting the same message, I realised it was not a manned phone line. Is there a reason for this? ? Surely it would make more sense to speak to another person on the other end of the phone to arrange the appointment rather than to-ing and fro-ing with telephone calls for both parties.
With my previous pregnancies (under the care of staff in NHS Fife) I was able to speak to a midwife directly when booking in, and if I had any concerns I was given a contact number to get in touch (to speak to a midwife straight away).
I did eventually get a phone call back a week later re: booking appointment for my current pregnancy care. I can't help feeling it's all a bit impersonal.
I've previously had experience of miscarriage (five years ago) and after having slight bleeding and cramps when speaking to a community midwife (NHS Fife) was booked in to EPAU the next morning for a scan without hesitation. Unfortunately, I'm having similar symptoms with this current pregnancy and had to phone the EPU NHS Forth Valley only to be greeted with yet *another* answer machine! Why, again, is this line not manned by staff when women are anxious about their symptoms of pregnancy and need reassurance? Surely it would make more sense to have a member of staff around to speak directly to a patient straight away? I'm slightly deflated with the service I've experienced so far....
Looking forward to some explanations. Thanks.
"Phone lines in Maternity services"
About: Forth Valley Royal Hospital / Maternity unit Forth Valley Royal Hospital Maternity unit FK5 4WR
Posted by disappointedmum (as ),
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