Submission - Review of Maternity Services - Anonymous (2) – 9 February 2021

Anonymous (2) – 9 February 2021

I would like to pass on comments for the review of the maternity services on island please.

My experience with my third birth was that I went into labour late one evening and in hospital it was clear things weren't going to progress quickly, but my waters having broken we had to stay overnight in the delivery room. This meant I had to get up and walk down the corridor whenever I needed the toilet. And that my husband had to sleep on a beanbag on the floor of the delivery room. Ideally en suite facilities would be provided to spare people's blushes but also for hygiene's sake. And adequate arrangements for husbands and partners also if they need to rest.

I've had fantastic care during my three births in the hospital during antenatal appointments and during delivery on maternity ward but have noticed an inconsistency between this and the post-birth experience. You no longer feel like you have a one to one relationship with the staff and there was a misunderstanding between staff around my care in the hours after I was moved to the ward post-birth because not everyone had been briefed about something. I feel like there should be more staff available and visible post-birth. There should also be more private rooms readily available. I don't think it's right to have someone being induced on a ward just a thin curtain away from someone who has had a baby and desperately trying to get some sleep/feed/discuss post-birth issues with a midwife; there should be more dedicated space for women who are being induced.

Obviously the maternity ward is very tired and needs a refresh. While in a delivery room I could hear construction workers directly outside the room clearly through a closed window so sound proofing is an issue.

I hope this is helpful. I would be grateful to be kept anonymous please.