"Maternity / Labour Care RSCH 26/02/16"

My partner is in the mid stages of labour with our first child due on the 15th Feb, she was referred from the community midwife to the RSCH for inducement on the 25th which went ahead as planned! We were told to come back on the 26th for the second appointment or earlier if contractions started!

Contractions did indeed start during the night and we rang the hospital to inform that we would be attending shortly as contractions had become frequent! Upon arrival the very rude and clearly stresses under pressure staff told us that the ward was full and we needed to travel a further 20 miles to Haywards Heath if we wanted to be seen by a hospital midwife! My partner was in so much pain that walking across the ward was an issue in itself let alone travelling 20 miles!! After a lot of persistence we finally got seen and early labour was diagnosed, we were told to come back at 1000 when we would be seen! Upon arrival back the midwife informed us that no one was available and we would again need to attend another hospital if we wanted to be seen! I refused this and we are now here waiting for further updates.

Hospital is a disgrace and staff attitude beyond belief.

My partner already in pain is currently enduring further stress due to this complete lack of care.