"Giving birth and constructive feedback"

I was a patient in the Simpsons unit and my experience was on the whole disappointing. I hope that my feedback can be used to guide simple improvements in the future.

Firstly, I would like to say that the majority of staff in the unit were kind and professional; considering the extreme pressures this service runs at.

The triage service needs a complete rethink. There are mothers miscarrying sat next to woman in active labour or woman and babies a few days postpartum. This is cruel and overwhelming for everyone involved. Although an appointment system may not be the solution, there must be a more intelligent way to organise the triage system and waiting area.

I had to return to triage one day after giving birth and had to sit for 5 hours with a one day old baby - no food, no water, a curtained off area I was only shown at the end to breast feed, not to mention the sweltering temperatures. The seats are very uncomfortable and a simple water dispenser and vending machine would improve the situation slightly. Furthermore, baby changing facilities are at the other side of the Simpsons building, not helpful when you have just given birth. This was a purpose built facility, surely this should have been better thought out?

On arrival to Simpsons I was in active labour but had to wait 2 hours in a side room for a doctor to check my progress. In this time I was not offered any analgesia, refreshments or even shown where the toilet was. I understand the busy nature of this unit but I feel this is basic care that any person expects in hospital.

My experience in the labour suite was swift and efficient - all staff were caring and made a concerted effort to involve me and my husband in decision making. I cannot fault this experience and am grateful to the excellent clinical staff on that ward.

My experience in the postnatal ward was adequate. Very busy staff and delays with being reviewed and discharged, but over all staff were helpful. But the basics have again been missed. No analgesia offered - this should be told to labouring mothers when they phone triage so they can bring basic analgesia into hospital if they require it. The shower facilities were appalling - I do not believe anyone could have any kind of shower with the dribble of water that came out of the shower head. Hygiene is a basic need for anyone in hospital and it disappoints me that something so simple as a shower is not adequately provided. There were also limited seats for partners - we had to hunt one for my husband to be able to sit. The temperature in the ward was also unbearable - I am amazed staff are able to work in the heat safely.

Overall I hope that my feedback reflects a positive human experience but highlights areas of simple improvement that would make a woman’s journey through the Simpsons unit much more comfortable. As someone who has worked at the Royal Infirmary for many years I was surprised by how unperson-centred the Simpsons Unit was, as many of the wards are better designed.