Share review of Leeds General Infirmary

Leeds General Infirmary 2017-02-12 Person 4 5 0

I stayed on L36 for five nights following the birth of my baby girl on 24 January 2017. The staff were absolutely fantastic and very supportive and sympathetic during a difficult few days for me and my husband as we recovered after a tough labour/delivery. Midwives Sarah (worked day shifts on 26th and 27th January), Ruth (night shifts on 26th and 27th), Fay (day shift on 28th) and Jen (day shift on 29th) were all particularly kind and helpful. They helped me get the knack of breastfeeding and were very reassuring and kind as I recovered physically and emotionally, and as we had some (thankfully minor) concerns about the baby's health. All the healthcare assistants were also fantastic and sympathetic. I felt everyone made an extra effort to make sure I was alright during some low emotional moments and also took the time to talk to me about some of my concerns about why my labour went the way it did, which was incredibly helpful. The paediatricians who took care of our baby were also very good and very thorough and reassuring throughout. The other point of feedback I would make about the ward is that, while the staff and care were fantastic, the facilities and set up of the ward were not really conducive to recovery for mum and baby after birth. It is such a tough time when you are very weak physically, and trying to bond with the baby, establish feeding, get used to nappy changing etc, all while staying in a very small and claustrophobic bay in a room with five others in the same position. The inevitable noise of other patients makes rest and relaxation very difficult, and did sometimes cause us additional stress! I would also say that while it is great that partners are allowed to stay on the ward overnight, the bedside chairs are extremely uncomfortable so it is even harder for dads to get any rest on the ward. So, while it is so helpful for mums to have overnight help and company (and I’m sure it helps the staff as well), it is tough for who also need rest after what is an emotionally draining experience for them as well! I appreciate that the above is the inevitable result of the age and set up of the buildings at the LGI and the volume of maternity patients now coming through each year but hope it is useful to emphasise the effect it has on patients' experiences. Thank you once again to all the staff for the outstanding level of care and support.