"Very positive maternity experience"

I gave birth at Newham in early. October and was very happy with the experience. Due to my circumstances I saw midwives throughout my pregnancy at the hospital and was very impressed with consultants, midwives and sonographers. They did everything possible to minimise inconvenience and I felt treated as an individual. The free pre-natal class at the hospital was very useful in terms of knowing what to expect on the day and was good preparation.

The birth centre care was excellent and the midwife, student midwife and consultant involved were fabulous! I was in labour for over 24 hrs and throughout the time I was admitted I was never left unattended. I felt safe and in good hands.

My only feedback is the staff on the triage ward on the night I was admitted were not very helpful. We phoned the hospital and explained we had been in as my waters had broken and were booked in for induction but I was now in active labour. My husband was told I could be like that for a week (clearly completely wrong advice!). We decided to go in anyway and it was a good job as I was 8cm dilated. On arrival no one answered the night buzzer and we were let in by a cleaner. A member of staff was on their mobile phone and ignored us standing in the reception area. After waiting for several minutes my husband followed them into the ward and had to ask for assistance. The staff were sat on the ward chatting and using mobiles despite us ringing the buzzer/being seen in reception.

That said i think this was an isolated negative incident due to individuals and doesn't reflect the overall care I received here. The person who runs the private ward was also excellent, efficient and helpful.

Thank you to all the staff involved in our care - you did a wonderful job!