Share review of Whipps Cross University Hospital

Whipps Cross University Hospital 2018-01-08 Person 2 5 0

I am really disappointed with the limited availability of appointments at whipps cross antenatal clinic. Throughout my pregnancy I expressed to staff that I would like early morning appointments with the midwife so my partner is able to attend these appointments with me. Unfortunately I did not receive early morning appointments which resulted in my partner missing 3 of my midwifery appointments. I rang weekly to see if I could change my afternoon appointments and was told often there was no appointments in the morning for the next 2 weeks. I also rang for cancellations but was unsuccessful. This affected my antenatal care. This is mine and my partners first child and I consider it of high importance that he is involved in the care and decision making processes with our child. He felt left out and frustrated which is not patient and family centred care which is what I experected to receive. More needs to be done to accommodate people who work full time so they can try and attend appointments. The latest appointments given are 4pm which is also poor! Most people's working day doesn't finish till 5pm. Although the health professionals were very compassionate and caring mistakes were made with communication. It was recorded in my notes by a midwife that this was my second child and it was only when I saw a different midwife the next time she said I wouldn't have an appointment at this time as it was my second child! I explained I have never gave birth before and this was my first pregnancy. I also received a leaflet in the post about a vaginal birth after a caesarean which again is concerning as I have NEVER had a child or caesarean operation performed! A complete waste of resources and completely inappropriate. It's fundamental correct information is recorded in maternity notes as this could have been missed.