"Midwife-led maternity ward review"

Anything else?

I have two children under three, one born at The Freeman hospital and one at North Tyneside General. For both I received my care for various complications at the midwife-led unit prior to the birth. In all instances I can say the care at NTGH was good, the midwifes were attentive, communicative and friendly. They gave me space when I needed it (to bond with my daughter or to snooze while waiting for blood test results) and responded quickly when I asked for anything (food, cleaning a spill, medication). I saw a consultant at NTGH who was informative and not patronising and who ensured I was getting personal attention and good care. Following the birth I had my own room and was told I could stay for a number of days if I felt I needed it. In comparison, the consultant at the Freeman had told me I should have given up work when getting pregnant and continued to patronise me with advice on how I should prepare for my child. The maternity ward and ante-natal consulting were both busy and close to capacity. Midwifes were as attentive and caring as possible but were pushed by the number of patients meaning longer waits for test results, less freedom to respond to requests and less chearfulnes in the ward. Following the birth I was placed in a busy ward and was discharged within 24 hours.