University College Hospital London

University College Hospital London 2025-06-16 Person 1 5 0

I attended the phlebotomy service after my 36week midwife appointment to get my bloods taken. The phlebotomist spoke to someone who was sitting on another chair and asked them if they wanted to do it, they didn’t identify who that person was to me or asked me first if I wanted to get my bloods taken. Only after I looked at both of them inquisitively did he ask “is that ok?” But still without offering me any information. I assumed it was a student and said “as long as I don’t get butchered please”, then I closed my eyes and looked away as I usually do during these tests. The student looked for the vein for a while, tapping my arm, asking me to make a fist and after a while where she asked for confirmation from her supervisors, I heard her say the words “sharp scratch” and then when I next open my eyes, the initial phlebotomist was there instead and the student had gone back to her original seat. I assumed this was because she had completed the job but then the phlebotomist but a bandage on that arm (left) and asked me to make a fist of my right hand. I was confused: “sorry why are you doing it twice ?” “She couldn’t get the blood” he said, matter of fact, with no explanation no apologies. at this point I had to take a sip of water and stand up to take a deep breath as this whole situation was making feel very anxious and vulnerable. He took the blood from the right arm silently, put another bandage there and barely said goodbye when I left saying goodbye. The whole affair was very destabilising. I went to the antenatal reception saying I wanted to give feedback and they gave me this website’s link. The receptionist asked if I could share with her what happened and when I started speaking, I couldn’t stop myself from crying realising I was put in a situation that could have been avoided at a time where I was vulnerable and there was no care or effort to even show remorse for it.

University College Hospital London 2025-04-05 Person 5 5 0

I was extremely impressed with the hospital team and the high standard of care received, in particular the surgical procedures and aftercare. Time was taken to explain everything to me. The hospital environment was modern and comfortable. Most of the staff appeared happy to be working there and were very communicative.

University College Hospital London 2025-03-27 Person 1 5 0

Unfortunately this was the worst hospital experience I have ever had! The worst part was the postnatal care at the postnatal ward. The staff there showed too little compassion and support. I was in excruciating pain and none of the midwives/nurses paid any attention to what I was saying. I did ask for a doctor as I wanted to discuss my symptoms, but unfortunately I never got one. Not sure what happened there. Not only was I discharged home, due to ward being “Max capacity”, I found out I had an infection, from which I’m still recovering. I had to be admitted to a different hospital to be treated for this infection, as I called numerous times the MFAU and got no answer. I would not recommend UCLH to any pregnant woman. I chose this hospital due to its good reputation, but as a healthcare professional myself working in the NHS, I feel ashamed of some of the behaviours from the staff. There were only a couple midwives that really helped me with breastfeeding.