NHS neglect during COVID crisis

[Samc3]

Hi all!

Don’t want to sound insensitive to the struggle GP’s across the U.K. must be going through, but we are quite disappointed with the level of care we’ve been offered so far.

My partner got pregnant shortly before coronavirus was a thing and our baby just turned 8 weeks. We just had our 8 weeks jab appointment last week and no other checks were done, even though the NHS website clearly says a more comprehensive check should be offered: hips should be checked, weight, head circumference and so on.

We had to ask for the nurse to check our baby’s weight, which she did but didn’t take any note on the red book. We’ve asked for a doctor to check at least our baby’s hips and one came by and checked for a minute said “she’s fine” and left.

At least for hip dysplasia I think it should be taken more seriously maybe done a x ray?

Anyone experiencing something similar?

I think you need to think about the crisis bit of your first post. The nhs is facing a tidal wave of death and horror tbh. I know, I work for the nhs. You cannot comprehend how tough the last 11 months have been and you have no idea how close to the edge we are. I'm sorry you haven't had everything you feel your baby should have but they sound ok so far and that's all we can do just now. It has to be enough. So get a grip and wait this out. That's what we have to do.

So the doctor did push the legs in (which is the hip test?) I don't think you get much more in normal times tbh? If your baby is gaining weight, wet and dry nappies i don't think they do much else. It is stressful being a ftp but if you're happy with what your baby is doing then you don't need to worry

This really isn't neglect. When your baby is born, it is checked over before you go home. Midwives etc will see how your baby is; any concerns and a doctor looks at your baby. The check you are describing is quite minimal. If you have concerns about your baby, make an appointment and discuss them. If your baby is feeding well and seems comfortable, it really is madness to be worrying about this. No one x rays babies or indeed anyone without a clinical reason for doing so. There is neglect in the NHS at the moment and it is because the service is on its knees. People with cancer are not being seen or operated on. Save your worry for these people. I simply cannot imagine how they and their families are feeling.

I think we will wait until the 12 weeks jabs to ask our GP about these checks. Our baby does look healthy though, but maybe it’s because we are first time parents and would like to err on side of caution.

I honestly don’t remember if they checked her hips after birth. But I’m guessing they did. It was normal delivery.

Another thing maybe I could point out is that my partner had a 3rd degree tear and so far she hasn’t been offered any post natal checks whatsoever. And she even asked for it. Only reason I think she’s not freaking out is because it seemed to have healed perfectly fine so far.

Anyway, I understand people get emotional when NHS is mentioned. I would like to reassure everyone that yes I do understand these are difficult times for them. I think from what people said here maybe I had higher expectations :)

Thanks for all the responses!

Again unless she is experiencing any pain or continence issues and is healing well there is no reason to check her. You seem desperate to get covid from a medical professional.

there should have been an 8 week check of the baby and your partner should have had a post natal check as well (mine was done at the same time as the baby).

Unfortunately in some areas of the country, 6 week postnatal checks for women are no longer done as CCGs have stopped commissioning them, this has been an issue for at least the last four years.

However, GPs are commissioned for the baby checks and these should be done to ensure no obvious issues have developed since the birth check. This saves the NHS money too - if hip issues are detected early they can be treated without surgery. It does sound like the GP checked their hips but should have done the rest of the check too, but clearly just popped in between appointments.

I hope your partner is ok. My GP practice don't offer a post natal check for women regardless of tear / c section etc. It's crap but is sadly how it is even in normal times. Lots of places do though, so maybe worth double checking. If she's having problems with healing that would absolutely justify a GP appointment though so I wouldn't delay.

@Cakeandslippers

I hope your partner is ok. My GP practice don't offer a post natal check for women regardless of tear / c section etc. It's crap but is sadly how it is even in normal times. Lots of places do though, so maybe worth double checking. If she's having problems with healing that would absolutely justify a GP appointment though so I wouldn't delay.

Only reason we asked is because the doctor who performed her surgery at the hospital said she would be checked by her GP later on. Fortunately like I said she seems fine, but it does bother me a bit she hasn't been checked at all after a 3rd degree tear. From what I read online 3rd degree is serious stuff.

Thanks for your response :)

Yep, it’s quite shocking - I had an emergency c section and no follow up at all. There aren’t many major surgeries in the NHS where there’s no follow up. I think it’s very poor but there we are! We really need a campaign to get 6 week checks back, they’ve sort of disappeared unannounced in many areas.