"Mixed experience of maternity care"

Anything else?

I was admitted into the PRUH August 2012 for an induction. I spent 3 days being induced then had to have a c-section. The actually operation and the direct care for the c-section was fantastic. The anesthetist in particular was great. I wish I could say the same for the rest of my time there. To be fair, they were very very busy - I think this was the main problem and there weren't enough staff. I was waiting for a delivery room for hours when I was in labour but had to stay in the induction suite. This meant that there was a curtain between me in 'full-on'labour, and the visitors by the next bed who I could hear talking about me. I think this was one of the most humiliating moments of my life. All I wanted was to have some privacy. My waters broke in the middle of the ward in front of many visitors (males and females). I had to constantly wait for assistance from mid-wives as they were so busy.

The ward I went to after the birth was awful. It was over 30 degrees outside at the time and it was very hot. I was in a bed next to the sink that the ward shared so I had less space. There is just not enough space for everyone.

The wards are very noisy so having been in their for 5 nights, I had not slept properly at all. The mid-wives don't attempt to be quiet at night! I was shattered without having to go through labour!

The shower rooms on the ward are in the same rooms as where the visitors go to the toilet. They are not clean! When I had had my operation, all I wanted was a shower and the floors in there were dirty. Not pleasant.

The post natal ward was also very busy. I had to continually chase nurses for pain relief and to take my catheter out.

The breast feeding support was very good though I have to say.

I wish I could have more positive things to say. If I am lucky enough to get pregnant again I won't be going to the PRUH. If I could pay for a private room there ( which I don't believe you can) I would go back. I won't be taking the gamble with the NHS next time and I will hopefully be able to go private.