"Long delivery, Eme C-Section and NICU - Overall..."

Birth Centre: My wife was on low-risk pregnancy all the way until last minute. MW at birth centre was not professional. It took her around 20 mins to have a simple check with coordinator to transfer us to triage,then another 20 mins to update the screen and further delays as there was lack of staff to transfer. I have to say that Instructors in antenatal classes were excellent, extremely helpful and professional. Triage: Generally everything was good. A busy triage but we were seen in a reasonable amount of time. Labour Ward Clean and convenient. Medical service was not up to our expectations. MWs changing frequently, absolutely frustrating, which continued until last day in the hospital. Patient’s exposure to 10 MWs within 3-4 days is a terrible experience. Each new midwife needs to go over the patient’s file and imagine if patient has been staying for a long time with regular complications and long record, so difficult for MWs to read and remember them for a proper plan, update of consultants and next course of action. I had to be awake and vigilant all the time to remind new MWs what irregularities, blood pressure abnormality etc were highlighted before in case they forgot. At one point a MW forgot to pass and the new MW did not properly read the earlier triage/birth centre reports, and once these points were reminded, the consultants were called in to check. My wife went through almost 2 days of pain, until consultants decided to break her water. A midwife came around and tried to do it (I believe it is one of the most uncomfortable things for pregnant women).She simply took her time and concluded that it is not possible, meaning placing of stimulating tablet and waiting for another 24 hours! A consultant came to place the tablet and realized there was no difficulty in breaking the water and she did it which really saved us. At the end EMR c-section was performed. Althoug only few midwives showed lack of care,attention to details or seemed unprofessional, other MWs were great. Two lady consultants showed extreme level of professionalism and quick assessment of situation followed by immediate action for c-section. I wish they had visited us earlier. Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) My new-born baby ended in NICU, stayed there for a week. I cannot express my extreme gratitude to doctors,nurses and sisters in that unit. I cannot raise any single negative comment about them.I am sorry I cannot remember everyone’s name but I remember their faces and wish them all the best. The head of the unit was simply fantastic, the nurse, sister. (yes…I may complain about unavailability of staff during ward rounds or changeover, but these are extremely small compared to the pain we were going through). At one point our baby was transferred to London Royal Hospital,the arrangements were made impressively quickly, with dedicated transportation team. Thank you and well done.