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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think a 4 hour wait is ridulous!

331 replies

BlackEyed · 06/04/2012 12:16

Been to see my midwife this morning, am 38 Weeks pregnant. The midwife was a little concerned as babys heart rate is dropping at times and so she may be in distress.

She told me to go straight to labour ward to be checked. They operate a triage system where it's a first come, first serve system unless an obvious emergency.

Just arrived to be told the wait time is 4 hours. Best hope the baby isn't in distress as if so who knows what could happen in 4 hours!

There are 5 other women here, including one pregnant with twins and bleeding heavy and one clearly in labour who has just been ushered into the room. I hope there not expecting her to wait!

There is only 3 chairs in a room more suitable to being a cupboard and people are standing in corridors, sitting on floors etc.

This is because it's in the process of refurbishment. It's a terrible hospital anyway and really didn't think it could get any worse but it clearly has.

Anyone in the Cheshire area will know what hospital I am talking about.

Now I'm terrified at the prospect of giving birth here in the next 2 Weeks, surely this is dangerous and they shouldn't be allowed to operate so poorly.

I understand there is work on and it's a busy time etc. but AIBU to expect a certain standard no matter what and to think that waiting 4 hours for something that could be really serious is not meeting that.

OP posts:
Garliccheesechips · 06/04/2012 18:10

YADNBU
They should have had you hooked up to a monitor straight away.

RandomMess · 06/04/2012 18:10

TBH I'm stressed for you Sad I really hope all is well tonight.

GeorginaWorsley · 06/04/2012 18:10

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

IDontWantToBeFatAnymore · 06/04/2012 18:12

Sad it does make a difference in my experience but clearly having had a scan followed by an emergency section then I am biased.

I really hope all is okay and I suggest you keep a close eye on the baby's movements.

pumpkinsweetie · 06/04/2012 18:12

& go on your instincts if you feel something isnt right at any moment please insist they get your baby out.
What they have done considering how many weeks you are is shocking

ripsishere · 06/04/2012 18:12

Fingers crossed for a positive outcome tomorrow.
It sounds as if you've been 'treated' abysmally.

PestoPenguin · 06/04/2012 18:23

I hope everything turns out OK and please do update us. Ask lots of questions and if your gut instinct is that they're not taking it seriously enough then jump up and down, demand to see managers/more senior staff and don't stop until they take you seriously. I'm sorry to say it, but it's a bank holiday weekend, so they are bound to be under staffing pressure.

PestoPenguin · 06/04/2012 18:25

PS In your situation I would be asking everyone about an immediate scan, and also asking a lot of questions about the risks/benefits of inducing an already distressed baby vs urgent planned c section.

ImpatientOne · 06/04/2012 18:29

Double bank holiday weekend and a refurb - what an unfortunate double whammy for you OP Sad Regardless of usual 'staffing problems' BH's will always be run on skeleton staff because of the costs.

Really hope everything works out well for you and your baby [busmile]

nancerama · 06/04/2012 18:30

Most hospitals have a portable scanner which can be operated by consultants when the scanning department is closed. I really would push harder if I were you. Waiting until tomorrow seems foolish and won't do your nerves any good.

Fingers crossed you'll be meeting your little one very soon.

scattergun · 06/04/2012 18:31

I agree with PestoPenguin. I'd be asking for a formal review now and making sure a consultant is prepared to sign your notes to say there's no risk in delaying delivery.

IDontWantToBeFatAnymore · 06/04/2012 18:34

That reminds me, with dc2 a mobile scanner was brought to my bed side when baby's safety was being questionned.

VivaLeBeaver · 06/04/2012 18:34

Portable scanners tend not to be of a good enough quality afaik to get Doppler measurements which I presume are what's needed.

GeorginaWorsley · 06/04/2012 18:38

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

LunaticFringe · 06/04/2012 18:43

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

hermionestranger · 06/04/2012 18:45

Hi Black,

I hope baby is doing ok now, sounds like you've had a shocking day of it. Seriously though I would be pushing for an elcs, I am being dramatic but do have experience of a distressed baby, or an induction now.

Best of luck to you and I hope that Leighton takes note of your dreadful treatment.

hermionestranger · 06/04/2012 18:46

YY to portable scanner, I assume they have one there, they certainly do up at stepping hill. If they won't take you seriously there ask for a transfer. My friend has had 4 babies at COCH and raved about it.

OhDoAdmitMrsDeVere · 06/04/2012 19:05

Best wishes blackeyed.

lagoonhaze · 06/04/2012 19:13

I would be insisting on a transfer too. You have no faith in them.

pinkyp · 06/04/2012 19:13

Hope you & baby are well black Smile

cambridgeferret · 06/04/2012 19:15

Best of luck OP. Thinking of you tonight and sending positive vibes.

Hope you got your caffeine fix - I'd have been over with a flask if you'd have been in the Rosie.

(But IME the wait there isn't as long - with DD2 I was admitted at 4.30 with suspected PE, monitored at 5 and in ward at 7pm.)

curiousparent · 06/04/2012 19:18

blackeyed wishing you all the best but DO NOT be afraid to cause a fuss - sadly sometimes this is needed:(. I say this as someone whose 3rd DC had a true knot and ended with an emcs with us being told that we were very lucky that she was delivered safely.

All the best x

piprabbit · 06/04/2012 20:36

I hope you have a comfy night and that baby feels bit perkier soon.
Take care of yourself and the little one.

dawntigga · 06/04/2012 21:48

Are you at Leighton Blackeyed? I wrote a VERY long letter of complaint about Leighton.

IfIEverHaveAnotherChildI'llBeGoingToChesterTiggaxx

2ombie5layer · 06/04/2012 22:00

Good luck OP, been watching this thread with interest.

Fingers crossed for you and your baby, thinking of you.