"Ward 10 - Induction of labour"

On arrival at the unit we had to ring the bell for ward 10 several times before it was answered and we were buzzed in. The staff at the desk were busy discussing holiday dates and we had to wait for them to finish their conversation. I was shown to a bed and, left for over an hour before anyone came to talk to us and explain what would happen. After being given a time of 5pm to arrive it was after 9pm when I was finally examined. Due to suffering from SPD I struggled to undress and had nowhere to put my things so had to get on the bed while keeping hold of them as the midwife stood waiting for me to be ready which made me feel rushed and uncomfortable. After getting onto the bed I was offered a sheet of paper to protect my modesty.

No help was offered afterwards for me to get back up or dressed. I have had two previous pregnancies and have never felt such indignity. I was then left following a period of monitoring and told I would be re checked in 6 hours but I was left 11 hours until a consultant turned up to check why no one was dealing with me. Luckily for me the consultant made some calls and I was taken round to ward 8 where the care couldn’t have been better thanks to a fantastic midwife in stark contrast to my experience to date. The consultant on ward 8 decided I shouldn’t return to ward 10 and luckily they broke my waters and I gave birth about 5 hours later. I would advise that if you can avoid it don’t opt for an induction unless you want a really awful experience and lack of care.