Tried to phone for the first midwife appointment, but no one answer the calls...

[SunnyG0507]

I'm in Edinburgh and was given the number 01315362009 from my GP. She asked me to call this number and arrange the first midwife appointment by myself. I've tried to call this number many times today but there was no one answering the calls... I wonder whether I should just wait for like 20 mins to get it through or should I call some community midwives (which I found online) instead? Can someone in Edinburgh share your experience a bit? Thanks a lot!

[FannyFifer]

Usually first thing is best time to call, if community midwife they are usually out on visits all day.
Surprised there is no answer machine for you to leave s message though.

[FannyFifer]

Actually, just googled.
Seems to be a dedicated booking number.
Odd that there is no answer.

[SunnyG0507]

Hi Fanny thanks for getting back to me. There is no answer machine. The number I have is the lothian midwives number. Will 9am be a better/best time to call them? Sorry it's my first pregnancy so haven't considered about such things. Thanks!

[Belmo]

Hi! That's odd. I got through straight away when I rang (am in lothians). Can't remember what time it was though.

[Mummyme87]

8-9am is often best time to call community midwives as they are often out of the office doing clinics and visits

[SunnyG0507]

Thanks Belmo, Mummyme. I will give it another try tomorrow morning then. I've tried for many times today and was always the No.3 in the queue for almost 2 hours...

[Julieb85]

I'm over in the west coast and it's not any easier over here! I am constantly ringing to try book appointments...once you get one appointment it's sometimes easier to just call the Health centre/surgery and book that way.

[SunnyG0507]

Thanks Julie. I just made my last try today which had someone answering it finally! So first appointment on 19 May and dating scan on 31 May. Fingers crossed now!