Why don't hospitals have childcare for patients?

[Gingernuttie]

Obviously it would be expensive, but surely better than not having it? I can imagine all sorts of scenarios where it would be vital.

I'm looking at going to my 12 week scan alone, and as I've had hardly any symptoms this pregnancy compared to previous I'm worried it might be an MMC, so would prefer DH to be there. But DH will have to take the day off work to look after DC. DC can't come into scan with us. The hospital is over two hours drive, so a round trip of about six hours (they are always running late IME) which is far too much childcare to ask of a friend etc. My MIL does do regular childcare and could normally help but she's sprained her ankle badly and can't at the moment. There's no ad hoc childcare available locally to where we live. I'm lucky that DH actually exists and can take the day off, otherwise I just wouldn't be getting a scan at all!

Just one example, but in my situation I'd be prepared to pay quite a lot for one off childcare for hospital appointments. Ditto if I went into labour early and hadn't sorted anyone to look after DC. Or if there was an accident. Etc etc.

I'm sure there's a good reason nobody thinks it's worth running this service, but what is it? Curious!

You have childcare, your DH. I know he won't be at the scan but you do have options. Perhaps spare a thought for those who don't have these options

Scans are lovely but they're not done so you and the family can admire baby, it's a medical test. You able to attend. Why would they pay hundreds to look after people's children so a non-patient DH can go along?

If you want your husband to be there, get a private scan where they don't mind.

I really like this idea, op. It would be expensive though as you’d have to factor in the possibility of the patient being delayed (v common) and still keep your ratios ok. Possibly so expensive that it’s not a viable business.

It wouldn't work because they wouldn't know from one day to the next how much need there would be . However - if you have this kind of money you are willing to pay, I think there are private agencies which offer babysitting and/or nanny services it may be worth looking into .

Alternatively would a friend be able to come with you and just care for your child while you go to the appointment ?

Sorry I misread the OP - I didn't realise your DH was actually around on the day .

I like the idea of parents being able to have medical consultations in private without having to worry about what to do with their children, or to consult with one child without the distraction of siblings being present. In the 1990s as a GP in a small practice in a deprived and very mixed area, and in the 2010s in a different location, I suggested introducing an in-house childcare option where children could be supervised so that their parents could consult about themselves without interruption, but on both occasions my practice partners weren't prepared to consider it.

The last hospital I worked at had a nursery - private on the grounds. Not many nurses etc used it as it didn’t cover a full shift I couldn’t as I lived 40 mins away just wouldn’t have worked for me. It didn’t do adhoc care either As waiting lists for full time places were large. worked for the 8-4 people and admin & some of the drs though.

love the poster who said find a closer hospital, Raigmore in Inverness IS the closest hospital that’s it really. Yes women do really travel 2 hours in labour to go there if that where they are booked in. It’s tough in that situation as she wants her dh there but him driving and staying outside with child sounds best plan least he can drive you home? I’m from northern highlands too, was born in raigmore and you do get used to the travelling etc but it can be v tough hopefully it all works out for you op

OP has already mentioned that she knows she's lucky to have her DH. She also mentioned she's worried about an MMC. Perhaps you should spare a thought as to why OP has made this post?

She has also mentioned she has 10 relatives close by, if an emergency someone would be available even if they had to leave work. Not everybody has this luxury.

Wow this turned nasty. I'm always hesitant posting on Mumsnet because it often turns out like this 😔

No, it is not entitled to say I have a need for a service and to wonder why there are no private companies that provide that service. That is how business works. Obviously in this case there are issues with it, otherwise private companies would already be doing it! I just wondered if it was already a thing elsewhere in the UK really, or if anyone had experience of similar.

Lots of posters who clearly haven't used the handy 'see all' function to read my posts. I've already answered your questions.

The poster who suggested taking my MIL to the scan for moral support - you made me laugh out loud! My MIL and moral support do not go in the same sentence 😉 Plus as mentioned she currently has a badly sprained ankle and crutches!

I'm checking out now. Thank you for the helpful suggestions! Sympathy to those in similar situations or who couldn't attend appointments at all because of this problem. I know we choose to have children but that doesn't mean it isn't difficult sometimes.

x

Is it Raigmore Hospital? Adding nothing to the thread but I did my midwifery training in 1986-87 at Raigmore.

@Mrsherdwick yes it is ☺️ And the people working in maternity are very lovely. I've met a lot of them in the last few years!