"On time ??"

The liaison between Fairfield Hospital and NMGH is quite poor. The problem is there to be seen. Since the Maternity Unit at Fairfield closed, Bury residents are left with a choice. To go to Bolton, NMGH or Oldham. If you choose Bolton, then all your scans are done at Bolton. If you choose NMGH then you have a choice to go to Antenatal at NMGH or have the majority done at Fairfield. The problem here is that although Fairfield is acting as a satellite for NMGH, the midwife's are all based at Bolton. So have no idea as to how NMGH operates. Both from a practice point of view, nor facilities. This needs to change.

Our Baby was conceived through IVF at St Mary's Manchester. So being first time parents, we had no idea what to expect. We were directed to the Maternity Assessment Unit at NMGH due to blood pressure issues, on the second time Faye came into labour.

The staff were undeniably helpful, caring and above all, calm. We were transferred to the Labour suite, our own room where the birth would take place. A midwife that stayed with us throughout the whole of the labour and eventually, birth.

The Postnatal Ward that we were transferred to was clean, efficient with an air of friendliness, but the main thing we picked up on was just how quiet the ward appeared. Each of the sub wards are doored off so if there was a problem, the rest of the ward could go about its business. Again the staff here were attentive and efficient. We had a problem with our little girl, Jaundiced and not latching on to mum to take on food. The midwife stayed with us until she was sure that our little girl had taken on some feed, over an hour in one case. Very impressed. We were kept informed as to what was happening with tests and also with the general care to both baby and Mum. I also got to stay, all be it on the floor, I do think that could be improved. Space is a premium but if you offer that Dad's can stay to help and support, then a better provision needs to be in place for them too. We had a shower facility, which had a faulty tap,it came off the wall and could of caused a serious injury, also the Shower door detached and fell on to Faye. I feel a review of this needs to happen to make sure all amenities used by patients are in good safe working order. Our due date given by St. Mary's way back in December 2014 was 15 August 2015. First time mums are apparently notorious for over running. But Bee, arrived on the day everyone suggested, hence the title above. So to sum up what can we learn.

1. There needs to be more training to Midwife's at Fairfield to the running and procedures of NMGH. Maybe a shared staff between Bolton and NMGH, where they BOTH learn each others protocol.

2. The heat in the Maternity Assessment Unit needs addressing, it was genuinely unbearable, especially when you consider all of the mums going there do have a problem.

3. Get those showers checked and made safe on Postnatal ward, someone will get seriously hurt.

We would use NMGH again.