Birmingham Womens Hospital
Feedback Rating
Based on 1449 reviews
Reviews (1449)
I would really like confirmation of tests
March 24, 2021
I had a biopsy, scan and blood tests for ovarian cancer almost 8 weeks ago. I have called twice now and asked if I could have the results only to be told they are sure 'no news is good news'. It might be, it hopefully is but I would really like confirmation!
Caring and friendly staff
Gynaecology
March 21, 2021
Staff very pleasant and chatty and explains and answers questions regarding appointment.
I encountered good and bad
February 12, 2021
Whilst giving birth I encountered good and bad. The experience was marred by covid as you would expect, but I do feel there could have been improvements. Like, having a nurse wait for me whilst I went to the loo to get a urine sample after being in triage when my waters broke (with blood). I was given a pot, told where the toilet was, came out and more waters broke with me stood right outside the midwife station, with them in having a laugh and me stood in the hall dripping wet feeling humiliation and embarrassment. I had to call to them for some help. Similarly being told my first birth of "roughly 6 hours but I'm not sure cos city sent me home, and didn't want me back even though I was pushing, then realised I was fully dialated, then made me push for another 3 hours before realising my baby was stuck and back to back and forceps birth" wasn't "quick", which I still maintain it was, wasn't very helpful whilst in labour with contractions. The same midwife also asked me how far apart my contractions were...which I didn't know as I wasn't timing them, but concentrating on breathing through them. I still don't understand why my husband couldn't come into triage. I was in that room for 3-4 hours on my own....really what is the difference between me on my own and me and my husband? If we were both tested? Which we weren't as he wasn't allowed in until I was 7cm 3 hours later. I understand he couldn't come on the ward, but he was allowed in to the room I was in for the birth....I just don't see the difference. And the negatives of not having him there, to me as a mum, outweigh the possible risks. Also, the midwives kept telling me that someone would be in to put a cannula in....they never did and I had to ask for water as I was thirsty. I didn't feel very dignified throughout that first part of my labour. They did listen to the fact I laboured at home in the bath with my first and so got me a bath on ward one. And then left me to it for 2 hours. Not once did anyone check on me in that bathroom. Which considering I told them I laboured quick and wanted the hot bath....and they knew I was there...anything could have happened to me. At the time I was grateful for it though and just cracked on with the labour. If it had been my first I'd have been terrified though. The actual birth I was scared of being a repeat of my first and emergency forceps, but the one midwife in the room with us kept me calm and was amazing. Even when my baby needed recuss breaths due to the cord wrapped round his neck, she was calm and so was everyone she called in. I felt things got explained and we weren't in danger. Overall I'd choose the hospital again, but I do feel things need improvement. I know covid is a big thing, but so is having a child! And it can be traumatic and things can happen very quickly and change quickly. Having a birth partner the whole time would have been a million times better for me. And that's as a second time, fairly chilled out mum.
Waiting over a year for appointment
Gynaecology
February 3, 2021
I have been referred to the Women's by my GP for Mirena coil change. Due to other clinical needs I have to have this done at the hospital instead of the GP. In previous years this has taken place in good time. I have now been waiting for over a year to have the Mirena changed which means I still have a Mirena that is not effective as contraception and do not have any indication when I can have this changed. I understand the current and extreme pressures on services, but risking women's health, potential unwanted pregnancy, other complications will mean health issues for many women that could have been prevented.
Was denied information and treatment options
March 23, 2020
Was denied information and treatment options for hysteroscopy procedure. Was told G.A sedation no longer used as was deemed unnecessary. Was denied any choice available and pressured into outpatient procedure on the day.
We need more staff and better conditions
March 11, 2020
In February I gave birth at Birmingham women’s hospital. I started my labour on the midwife-led unit and due to foetal distress was transferred to the delivery unit to give birth. My baby had a dropping heart rate and meconium in the waters. The midwife who transferred and stayed with me for the birth was amazing but the hospital was noticeably short staffed and very busy. It took a long time for a doctor to be present for the assisted delivery and then same afterwards for me to be stitched. The staff discussed those other emergencies needed to be attended to and while remained calm it was obvious that we need more staff and better conditions. I was lucky as there were no complications.
Post natal care horrific
Maternity
March 5, 2020
Pre natal care was excellent.
I had a C Section - horrific. I picked up an infection - post natal care horrific.
Was transferred to a hospital over 30 miles away but was forced to go.
C Section went wrong - my children weren't breathing properly and they were not considered ill enough to stay at womens. I did not want to go to the other hospital but had no choice - so I was far away from family and friends and this meant I couldn't bond properly with my children, as I was trying to breastfeed.
My control over my own body and that of my children was taken away - I felt dismissed as though I didn't matter.
This is making us consider not having any more children - I would need specialist care if I did because of my health issues. The thought of being shipped off again is not worth it.
Care was excellent before C section.
I had a C Section - horrific. I picked up an infection - post natal care horrific.
Was transferred to a hospital over 30 miles away but was forced to go.
C Section went wrong - my children weren't breathing properly and they were not considered ill enough to stay at womens. I did not want to go to the other hospital but had no choice - so I was far away from family and friends and this meant I couldn't bond properly with my children, as I was trying to breastfeed.
My control over my own body and that of my children was taken away - I felt dismissed as though I didn't matter.
This is making us consider not having any more children - I would need specialist care if I did because of my health issues. The thought of being shipped off again is not worth it.
Care was excellent before C section.
Good care
March 4, 2020
Nothing negative to say - Good care and treatment . I prefer coming here than my GP. Much more understanding.
staff nice/treatment well explained
Other
March 4, 2020
No complaints at all- staff really good and everything ok. I have come every 10 weeks and have no problems - treatment explained well.
cleanliness and friendliness good
Maternity
March 4, 2020
Hospital is really good and felt really safe here and safe for my baby- I gave birth recently to little girl. Good facilities- my other daughter was born in Barcelona but I Prefer It here at the Womens Hospital. Hospital is clean and tidy. This is the best hospital.
