"Superb care from the midwives and healthcare..."

What I liked

I had a c-section after 2 days of failed induction of labour. The midwives were overall very nice and caring. On the day I had the c-section I had the best midwive ever!, she supported me and encouraged me before, during and after the procedure. She was very dedicated, and treated me like if I was a friend or relative...I was very touched by her care and kindness. Later on, I was transferred to the post-natal ward. Once there, the care was good too, but you could feel that the midwives are over-streched, and there is only so much they can do at once!. The healthcare asisstants amazing too, so professional and caring.

What could be improved

More staff in the wards. On my second day of induction of labour I was supposed to have gel, and a sweep afterwards...however, the whole thing was abandoned as my midwive wasn't feeling well, and had to go to A&E to be checked. She was away from the ward for a few hours. When she came back she told me that it was too late in the day to start the procedure, so the whole day was wasted. However, I felt very sorry for her, as she didn't look well and she looked under pressure to be at work.

The consultant I saw through out my pregnancy needs to learn to listen to the mothers to be, and to take their concerns into consideration...after all is them carrying the babies inside!. He was very patronising and inconsiderate, and after every app. with him I always felt like crying.

Anything else?

I had my first baby at Whipps back in September 2008 and the care back then was poor. I was quite worried about having my second one there, but it was the most convenient hospital to go, as I live locally. However, the care has improved so much, I couldn't belive the change. The staff in the maternity unit now go out of their ways to make patients comfortable and to deliver a high standard of care. Well done!