"Birthing suite care"

I attended the Birthing Suite at JHC after being triaged over the phone by their nurse for reduced fetal movements and a disseminated rash that had spread across my body despite treatment. I only waited a few minutes to go through and the baby was monitored for an hour to confirm they were still OK. They reviewed the treatment I was on, confirmed it was inappropriate (saw my GP initially before it had spread so much, then unfortunately an ‘urgent care’ GP centre the day before) and changed my treatment. They also got the diabetes coordinator to come in and organise monitoring of my blood glucose (due to the prior inappropriate treatment that has a known effect on levels) and requested I come back in 2 days for review.

When I attended again they modified the treatment as it was required and I was given a referral to a specialist at another hospital. In the meantime, my baby's level of movement improved to her normal rate and the side effects (erratic, high blood sugar levels and oedema) of the first prescribed high dose of steroids wore off.

I was impressed with the level of care, professionalism and attention to detail by all the staff I encountered on the ward. I could tell they were run off their feet, but I was treated with compassion and respect the entire time. I just wish there were more staff because I fear with that level of work, many could be headed for burnout.

One of the doctors asked to excuse themselves because they needed to organise lunch before the canteen shut and I told them they needed to go and take their full break and that I could wait. Instead, they ate their food in less than 10 minutes and returned. I work in the public health system and we are always battling for enough staff to meet turnaround times and client expectations but one thing I've learned is that people who put their heart and soul into their work are irreplaceable and need to be supported however possible.