"Disgusting and distasteful"

What I liked

The Student nurse, who first initiated treatment was excellent. She was very well mannered and made me feel at ease as soon as I entered the Maternity Assessment Centre. Her people skills were second to none and had taken the time to get to know myself and my husband so she could reassure us straight away.

Each test she carried out she explained very well to both of us so we understood what was going on. and went out of her way to make us feel comfortable.

This nurse will be an asset to the hospital, especially caring for first time parents like ourselves.

What could be improved

As I had not been very well, my husband and I decided to ring the NHS helpline for advice on my condition, after a very well informed conversation and efficient call back time we were advised to call the Maternity Assessment Centre at the Leicester Royal Infirmary for further advice. I explained I am 34 weeks pregnant and the ailments I was experiencing. The Midwife in charge at the time requested I attend the unit to be checked out further. We arrived at 9pm, as its only a short drive from home. As I aforementioned the student nurse was excellent with running the initial checks. She was very reassuring when she explained the results and that we had a very happy baby. The Doctor was called to see me, pleasant person at first I thought. the doctor explained he would have to run some blood tests to get to the bottom of my problem. At this stage I politely explained that I suffer from acute needle phobia, which is highlighted on all of my medical notes. I explained I would have the blood tests but I was not to see any sharps and would need a few minutes to compose myself. The doctor in charge of my care shrugged and left the room to collect what he needed and returned very quickly with a tray of sharps on display. As you can imagine this did not inspire me with confidence, I had explained I needed a few minutes and I was not to see the sharps! The doctor told me (very abruptly) I was being silly and I had to have the blood tests or I would not be able to leave the hospital. I was disgusted as I only wanted a few minutes to compose myself and would of had the tests done straight away if my instructions were carried out with regards to my phobia. The doctor concerned laughed and walked away shaking his head. at this point I had lost all confidence in him, and felt humiliated.

Anything else?

The Doctor then sent the Ward Sister in to see me to say it was necessary for me to have the tests. We explained that I was not happy with the way I was treated/spoken to by the doctor and also highlighted I was prepared to have the tests done! I left the room with my husband to get some fresh air, we explained to the Ward Sister that we would be back in a few minutes.

After discussing the matter with my husband we decided as we knew baby was ok we would see our GP early the next day to have the blood tests done.

I asked the Staff nurse to be discharged, and explained I was grateful for their help but would get the bloods done the next day. I was made to feel very uncomfortable about my decision and had to wait for my notes.

Another abrupt nurse, who obviously had been told to come in and make our discharge unpleasant, brought the forms and told us that if it turns out to be something serious then our baby or myself could die and they see cases every week where people loose babies. We were made to feel like extremely bad people and put under immense pressure. Its going to be a joy to give birth on this ward!!