Women’s and Children’s Hospital

"What on earth has happened to this place? Early 2000’s I went there for a laparoscopy and it was absolutely fine. More recently I had to go for a SIBO test in the gastroenterology dept. Firstly there is limited signage on the ground floor. Gastro is 8th floor. The lifts I found only went up to the 4th floor. I eventually found the other lifts tucked down a corridor. Secondly everyone has to pile into the same room including screaming toddlers and babies who do not want to take the drink. Can’t say I blame them but either more space between each chair or a separate room for parents with babies would be appreciated. What if a mum needs to breastfeed? No privacy whatsoever and a least in a parents and babies room she could breastfeed? You’re there for 3 hours while your breath is captured in a tube every 15 minutes and then every half an hour for the remaining 2 hours. Three hours is a hell of a long time to sit there amongst strangers right next to you in a fairly small room. When I could finally go I went to find the cafe on the ground floor. No decent signage once again. I eventually found a sign and headed that way but it was the children’s emergency room area. I decided to then leave and get a coffee later. I could not wait to get out of there."

"I ended up with PTSD after birthing my son here. I had a brief but clear birth plan which the midwives may as well have set on fire in my face- every single point was completely ignored while they did whatever they wanted to me. After 14 hours the midwife insisted I needed an epidural, when the anaesthetist arrived he asked the midwife why the gas was turned down so low. I specifically stated no students whatsoever, yet my room was a constant stream of students barging in who I repeatedly had to ask to leave, midcontraction. After 28 hours, an obstetrician came in and asked why my pitocin was turned up so high, and I was given a husband stitch against my knowledge or consent. When I finally birthed my son, lying down, once again against my request, there were 7 staff spectating. My birth plan specifically stated no unnecessary people in the room. One baby. One birthing mother. There was literally no excuse for my body being used as a live cadaver for 5 irrelevant people, with zero consent in such a vulnerable moment in my life that I am still haunted by. When I was transferred to the ward my shower did not work and I was unable to walk as my epidural took days to wear off, but was repeatedly shamed by my 'nurse' for not getting myself breakfast or showering, despite begging for food and help to get to a shower. I left the hospital after less than 2 days, against their recommendations, because the nurses left me there to rot and sit in my own blood soaked sheets for hours on end, and I ended up with my first ever UTI as I wasn't able to use the bathroom regularly enough. Not a single person bothered to query why I was unable to walk. The other woman I had to share my room with was brought in at 3am and the nurse turned all of the lights on so they could make calls to family in India. When I finally made it to the bathroom she had left her blood all over the toilet seat. The nurse ignored my bell for over two hours so I had to go back and clean the blood up myself just to use the toilet. When we unfortunately had to take our second child to the PICU he was also used as a guinea pig while 3 separate doctors attempted to insert an IV, which we were promised he would not feel, but every doctor failed at inserting it. I ended up having to use myself as a shield to stop the last doctor repeatedly piercing my screaming baby's arm, after my 3 verbal requests for her to stop were blatantly ignored. To this day, 3 years later, our son is still petrified of anyone in scrubs. This hospital is an absolute disgrace, while there are some lovely doctors and nurses we met along the way, I hate to think how much unnecessary trauma patients of WCH have been through due to the consistent and blatant disregard for basic consent, instead treating patients like farm animals on a conveyor belt."

"Worst experience at outpatients and nothing has changed for the past 3 months. Have waited over 2 hours to be seen and everyone after me are called in and the reception says it's in order of appointment time? Kids are absolutely bored sitting there. I understand it's the public system but this is not correct. A small amount of wait time is understandable. It cannot be correct that those rocking up one hour after us had an appointment before us and ended up taking in earlier? This is ridiculous. Plenty of complaints on this and nothing has changed! Absolutely furious sitting here writing this."

"My daughter went to the emergency department at 4pm on the 13th of March after seeing a GP. From the moment she was seen in the ED & for the next 8 nights she stayed in the short stay ward we were extremely impressed by the amazing care she received. The nursing staff were exceptional as was the play therapist Eileen who made her & my days so much brighter (considering how sick she was & the fact we were both staying in the hospital). The doctors & specialists were incredibly thorough. When she was declared non infectious we would wonder the floors in the evening when no one was about & enjoy. the art exhibitions that were on offer in the walkways. Yes it is old & yes it has to be replaced, as much for the staffs sake as for the patients. But it is a hospital & not a resort. In this respect I feel more sorry for the staff who have to deal with an older building & its problems. We also need much better parking for the staff & the families. Most importantly we need all people to behave better. The staff at the hospital are just trying to do their jobs, when people misbehave it can have a catastrophic effect in these circumstances, not to mention time taken from actually caring for the patients. Imagine if they didn’t need to hire all of the security guards & that money could pay for more nurses & doctors! We witnessed ourselves in the emergency department why they need that much security. We too often hear all of the negatives in our hospital systems including the women’s & children’s but it is so very important to also focus on the many more positive ones. Thank you :)"

"I recently had the opportunity to visit the women and children's hospital and I must say, I was thoroughly impressed with the level of care and attention that was provided. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted by friendly and professional staff who were eager to assist me and make me feel comfortable.The facilities were clean, modern, and well-maintained, and I could tell that a lot of thought had gone into creating a welcoming and nurturing environment for patients and their families. The rooms were spacious and well-equipped, providing a comfortable and safe space for women and children to receive treatment and care.The medical staff was knowledgeable, compassionate, and dedicated, taking the time to answer my questions and address my concerns. I felt confident in their ability to provide the best possible care for their patients.Overall, I was extremely impressed with my experience at this women and children's hospital. The combination of cutting-edge facilities, knowledgeable and compassionate staff, and a commitment to patient-centered care make it an excellent choice for anyone in need of medical services for themselves or their loved ones. I would highly recommend this hospital to anyone in search of quality and compassionate care."