"Fantastic care at a heartbreaking time"

This is quite a long review but I really wanted to take the time to explain how continuation and consistancy of care from kind, compassionate staff can make all the difference to a shell shocked, heartbroken couple. I visited Homerton hospital on Saturday at their Early pregnancy assessment unit (EPAU). I had just had a very traumatic time at Whipps cross hospital where I was told abruptly ' this baby has no heartbeat, sorry' and sent home without any information and a box of painkillers. Needless to say I decided that I wanted to be treated else where. The fact that the EPAU at Homerton was open on a weekend already topped the care at Whipps. I was greeted by a helpful receptionist who booked me in and offered me a drink. I wasn't waiting long before I was greeted by a very friendly nurse who was sympathetic and caring and quickly arranged for another very kind nurse to scan again to confirm. Unfortunately the finding we're no different but she ask if I would like to see and for her to explain. She explained that the baby had stopped developing at 8 weeks ( I was 12 weeks ) and that unfortunately she couldn't find a heartbeat. Naturally my husband and I were heartbroken but when something is explain properly and compassionate it eases the guilt that this was in some way our fault. She gave us written information on what steps to take next and allowed us to take it all in before any decisions were made. We opted for surgical intervention as this seemed my best option. She then arranged for the on call Gyeane Dr to see me. She also was very kind, explained the procedure thoroughly and got me booked for Monday. We returned to the hospital at the surgical centre in Monday for my procedure. Again greeted by another pleasant receptionist who showed us to the waiting area. I was shown to a bay where I had to change. My privacy and dignity were respected and the nurse assisted where necessary. Although we had a good few hours to wait this was expected as the nurse had explained that if emergencies arrised they would be prioritised. The nurse kept me updated and made sure I was ok. When it was getting late she called to the surgical manager who came to me and personally took me to theatres to make sure I was seen. He was friendly and polite and made sure I was assessed as soon as I got there. I then saw a very friendly anaethsetics nurse who took me through to theatres. The anaethstists explained everything and said they'd be with me the whole time, very comforting. I woke up quickly in recovery and was greeted by the recovery nurse who check everything was fine. The anaethstist saw me to make sure I was ok. I was taken back to the centre and saw the dr who explained everything had gone well and with an hour or two I was able to go home. The care described above was impeccable and exactly what other hospital should aspire to. I cannot thank the staff enough for helping my husband and I though a very traumatic time. If only all hospital function as well