"Fetal Assessment Unit"

Where to start! Today’s visit to the fetal assessment unit was so bad it reduced me to tears. Despite living within 4 miles of DVH I was told to go for a scan at QMS, which I did.

I was told to come to the fetal assessment unit for 14:30 the same day where a consultant would then go through my options since the baby was breech.

We waited for 20 mins when a nurse asked what our plan was? (it was as if they had no idea why I was there!) I said we have no idea, that’s why we are here to speak to a consultant. We waited 1 hour before the consultant spoke to us. She didn’t look us in the eye once and made us feel our only option was ECV and we would need to come in Monday but couldn’t 100% confirm because the relevant consultant was not in today. I didn’t feel well informed whatsoever. I explained I had a heart condition, so was ECV even an option and she replied that’s a very good question! She then said she would get the anaesthetist to speak to me. One hour later nothing...still waiting with no explanation. By this point I was upset, confused and exhausted. I went to the reception desk and asked what was going on.

It was only then one of the nurses leapt into action for us.

She was lovely and within another hour I was booked in for a c-section.

Still haven’t seen an anaesthetist despite a 3.5 hour visit today and it being requested at the ANC back in April.

The care I have received has been chaotic, stressful and disorganised in general. I don’t feel I’ve had adequate guidance or support in making decisions.

I have suffered with anxiety and depression and this whole experience, which should be enjoyable has been stressful, worrying and disgraceful at times.