"Antenatal ward - midwifes attitudes towards..."

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I recently stayed on the Antenatal ward at this hospital and was shocked at how appalling both the night and day midwifes on attitudes on shift were towards the patients. I have never met hospital staff so abrupt and rude. This ward may aswell be a self care ward as the midwife regular informed that she was too busy. This is understandable if on a busy demanding ward however there is no excuse for the tone and lack of tact that these two particular midwifes on duty. A simple question from a young lady asking for water prompted a response of pointing to a tap and saying 'there's a tap there.' that basically sums up the level of dignity and time they have for their patients. My partner had asked in the evening if it was ok for him to go home and collect my hospital bag and return with it as I had nothing with me. The midwife sternly told us 'if you go out you won't get back in again.' I asked could she notify security that he was coming back with a bag then. Her response was she has enough to do and doesn't have time to get involved. My partner had a more helpful response from the assessment reception next door.

I was also highly frustrated on the ward at the miss communication and moreso at the selective hearing of one of the midwifes wrongly and confidently informing a dr of something about my symptoms that I had not said or been asked about. Other patients also commented about selective hearing and miscommunications. Worryingly the same midwife had told myself and the patient next to me earlier that she didn't have time to read our notes so asked us what we are in for.

This was a disappointing and poor service from the two midwifes that let the ward down. In contrast to the midwifes and dr that I had seen earlier on the antenal assessment unit as they were all very welcoming, reassuring, helpful, polite and professional. Even the domestic staff were lovely and helpful.