Midwife has walked out.....I'm all alone!

[dizzymama]

I've just had my 32 week appointment with the midwife and was greeted by someone completely different. Our local hospital has been having all manner of problems with it's birth unit and she has just had enough and walked out. This wouldn't be so bad in itself (although a real pity as she was wonderful, slightly older and put me very much at ease as this is my first baby) except then the new midwife told me that they're being treated so badly at the moment that it is a very real possibility that they will all walk out. She then proceeded to give me a huge list of things i should chase up (test results, appointments etc) if I found she and the others were not there at my next appointment! I have Group B Strep and so far they weremonitoringme quite closely, now I'm very worried that I'm going to be left on my own to do this. Help!!!!

where are you based ?

Have you tried contacting the head of the midwifery services - there should be contact details somewhere on your paperwork. And maybe try talking to your gp to find out what is happening.

Also maybe investigate private midwives if you can afford it.

Dizzymama - can you rope in your partner or an organised and understanding friend to undertake the admin at all? It's fairly unlikely that all the midwives will walk out, but even the loss of some means a much lesser service to you. You need someone to take notes of the things you need to chase, and how to chase them. You definitely do not need this stress yourself - so really try to get someone to do it for you. What about your doctor's surgery - do they have a nurse or midwife attached?

If you're anywhere near Coventry I'd be very happy to offer my help in any way I can.

Oh hell indeed. You're not alone; at the very worst we'll all talk you through it and work through that scarey list. What about your GP, in terms of test results? The rest of the hospital? I deeply sympathise with your midwives, but presumably the hospital has to take on overall responsibility for you?? Or the PCT?

Not much more to add but on the Group B strep thing, don't worry. It is only a potential problem when you go into labour. You MUST remember to tell whoever delivers your baby that you have Group B strep and ensure you are on an IV drip during labour but you don't have to worry more than that.

Agree with Jellyhead. Don't put up with this lkind of treatment. Have you got an excuse to be referred to a consultant? At least if miswives walk out consultants should still be around.

What hospital is this? Hope you don't mind me asking, but I think when PCT (and they are ultimately reponsible for your care) has problems like this, other who may be in line to go there should know about it.

Thank you so much for your support guys. Everyone on here is so kind makes me feel as if I'm not so alone either. I'll be ringing round people tonight and have made an appointment to see my GP. Will keep everyone informed!!!

Peskykids, thank you so much, I'm in Kidderminster though. Those who know the hospital will be very aware of the problems they have been facing. I really feel for them, but also agree that substandard care is not to be accepted.

Oh gawd... kidderminster. Yes, I have heard there have been problems.

Could you get transferred onto the books of the Droitwich team or would that be too far to travel? I'm in Worcester (so Worcester Royal) and the midwives are fantastic here (it's the Droitwich community team who look after here too) - and the hospital is really good (although they too had staffing problems when I was pregnant - only for the scans not the midwives).

Let us know how you get on xx

Let us know how you get on xx

Will do Peskykids,got my next appointment ina couple of weeks with the doctor,so will double check everything then.Thanks for all the support x