"Labour ward staff absoloultey ..."

What I liked

Labour ward staff absoloultey excellent in every respect.

What could be improved

Discharge planning, Communication and Patient information.

I was not Allowed to be discharged home from Swan ward the morning after having my second child the day before. It was a normal delivery, mother and baby were fine, yet despite all being well I had to wait till the afternoon to go home. When I asked why I was told because all the paperwork has to be filled in first !!!. The ward was busy and I was located in the dogleg bay on beaumont ward, Whilst I appreciate that there are some checks which are required to be done no one came to ask when I would like to go home or offered any information regarding discharge until I presented myself at the desk to ask. I am a nurse in the same hospital and it horrifies me to think that in this day and age when beds are at a premium this kind of practice continues. I was left tearful and frustrated by there lack of organisation.

Another more minor point was that there is no information about where to get breakfast/drinks from atall. I wondered if because I was a nurse I was somehow being avoided at all costs but two other mum's in the bay felt the same and tried to make attempts at discharge with me! I was glad to get home.