Community Services - East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust 2015-04-30 Person 2 5 0

Being under the care of one midwife throughout pregnancy enabled trust and a positive rapport to be developed between patient and health professional. My midwife was vey personable and friendly. I found her very approachable and easy to discuss personal matters with, which I consider key criteria for a midwife. However, I felt as though my midwife was over stretched because she always seemed rushed and appointments (except where they were the first of the day) were always significantly late. The recommended number of appointments at the stages of pregnancy set out initially in my notes were not adhered to because appointment space was not always available. I was also alarmed to be be given information on NHS nct classes for dates after my expected date of delivery, despite having asked for this information on preceding appointments. I was surprised when a student midwife attended one of my appointments and carried out routine checks on me without me being asked for consent (fortunately I did not mind and would have commented if I did). I was slightly concerned that my midwife didn't double check the results. As my measurements were slightly small I was sent for a growth scan at approximately 37 weeks, and the results were normal. I still measured small at 39 weeks, and my midwife suggested she might send me for another growth scan following an appointment at 41 weeks. I pointed out that I didn't see what the benefit/purpose of this would be because, should the baby not already be born, induction would be carried out 5 days following the 41 week appointment (ie 12 days following due date). I considered it unlikely that a scan, consultant appointment and a decision to be induced earlier than the usual 12 days following the due date could be achieved within 5 days of the 41 week appointment. However I wasn't sure that my midwife understood what I was saying, which was disappointing. I reiterate that I felt I developed a good relationship with my midwife, and that I would put the negative issues I raise above down to her being over stretched.