"Things could have been better with our maternity care on ward 9 and a&e"

My wife went recently to Stafford General Hospital NHS to give birth to our second child. In view of the recent adverse reports and publicity at the hospital we would have thought that conditions and all staff would endevour to improve all aspects. So it was with dismay that the service and care we recived was regrettably unacceptable. My wife who was heavly pregnant went for an appointment with obstetrician, who told her to lay on the examination bed and was then left there for almost 2 hours before being connected to the test equipment.

After the birth, the midwife waited for a doctor to do the stiches but then did the operation herself not wanting to wait any further.

There was no doctor before the birth, during or after to check on the baby's condition. We had to wait nearly 2 hours before any nurse or senior staff to come and check him over and weigh him. We were disappointed that nobody washed the new born baby after the birth but were told that he would be washed the next day. Next day my wife was told to do it herself as there was a shortage of staff.

We ask for some talc to dust over the babies belly button but was told there was no need that it would heal itself.

The day after being discharged from hospital the babies belly button started to weap green puss and smelt badly.

We took our baby to A&E he was examined by a doctor who phoned a paediatrician who said everything was normal and we were given wipes to clear with it.

Not being satisfied with this sort of treatment we took the baby to our own GP who took swabs for test and suggested that gentle washing with salty water may help.

Our first baby was born in the North Staffs University Hospital and the care understanding of our concerns and helpfulness was beyond reproach. The staff was available thoughout the pregnancy and during the birth. They oozed

confidence and this had a calming influence on the patients.

We consider that there are issues which should be attended to such as more communication and attention to patients and family worries. Taking time to ensure they are not left alone for long periods.

We trust that our concerns are taken on board and the hospital continues to improve and receiver the credibility that is at the moment lacking.