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"In was in triage queuing for epidural, didn't get..."

About: Queen's Hospital (Romford)

Hello, I am very unhappy about doctors no cooperating with midwives. And also the staff is not cooperating between one another. I was in labour, I came to triage because I was not able to stand the pain and ask for epidural. After the check, I was told that my cervix is 5 cm wide and I will be 3rd person in the line for epidural. So I waited. after 2-3 hours, different staff person came (shift has changed),and told me that I will not get it,because all the doctors are not available for me. I told this lady that I am waiting for epidural. She told me that hospital is too busy and there are no free beds so either I stay in triage with my husband, all other beds were empty by that time, or I can go to Birth Centre to the swimming pool and at least midwife will look after me, otherwise no one will check me. I was in a really bad pain. I thought it is better to be checked by midwife and give birth instead of waiting until someone else will give birth and give the bed for me. I agree to go to Birth centre and asked that lady if the doctor can come there and give an epidural, she said yes. Long story short, in Birth Centre I was told no one else will come. I was pushing for 1.5 hours, the baby's head got stuck, I tried to push harder so my baby won't suffer. My husband asked for forceps or vacuum to be used to help me. But we were told that midwife is not doing that, so we asked to ask someone to come from the hospital, it is the same building !!!! We were told that we chose to give birth here and no help will be available (can you believe it,second rejection same labour)(My primary choice was to give birth in the hospital which I was denied). I. finally managed to push the baby out. I had lots of tears. the next shift came, that lady had to sew me for 3 hours, and she wasn't able to give any more antiseptic so I was feeling every stitch.She was telling me and my husband that I should have asked for epidural, which I did, because I am too sensitive and it is hard for her to do her job. I am happy that my baby is well. But I had to go through hell. In my opinion, it shouldn't be the case in 21st century. After giving birth, I wasn't able to sit down for a month, I was bleeding heavily for 2.5 months and just find out that there is a piece of placenta or something else left in my uterus. I talked to quite a few first time Mums and found only one more that found giving birth was difficult, for the rest of them it was quite quick and pain was manageable. I told my health visitor the story,because she asked my how was my labour. She was surprised to see that I am in such a bad condition and advice me to write a review, so hopefully it won't happen to anyone else. If midwives from Birth centre would cooperate with doctors from the hospital and staff from different shifts it wouldn't be this way. Even thought after birth staff was supporting and I liked the facilities and food , but I couldn't recommend this hospital t

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Response from Queen's Hospital 9 years ago
Queen's Hospital
Submitted on 26/08/2014 at 16:55
Published on nhs.uk on 27/08/2014 at 04:00


Thank you for leaving your feedback. We are constantly monitoring the care we give to our women and discussing care with them to understand the areas we need to continue to improve. The Matron and Consultant Midwife are leading sessions with staff to improve communication and customer care to mother’s, babies and their families. Thank you for comments which are a valuable insight on we can continue to build on our significant progress that has been made over the last two years. Yours sincerely Flo Panel-Coates Chief Nurse

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