Save Raigmore Maternity Beds

I have just returned from staying for ten days in Ward 10 - due to pre-eclampsia. While
I was there, I came across many ladies from all walks of life, age and with a number of
children - in those days there. We are all in agreement - how can the Government be so
selfish in doing what they OI'e planning? Childbirth, before and after. is one of the most
emotional roller coasters a mother and father will go through. No matter if it is your
first, second or fifth. While you are in hospital, you get to chat to Mums about what we
are all going through. Things that you might not dream of sharing. but knowing that your
fellow bed mates have been through the before and after helps you to let your emotions
out. If you have been on your own at home, this could be the only opportunity to discuss
these things as well, with the other Mums, the Maternity Staff, the Labour suite staff,
the Tea Ladies. These people give you the utmost support, cere and attention. They
answer questions that come to your head at 4.00a.m. after delivery and it is THEN you
need those questions answered NOT 24 hours later. Otherwise it will linger in your mind
and you start to worry and having the support of a Midwife in the very early days is so
important, because if you don't, believe me, Post Natal Depression will be on the increase
and a lot more money will be needed in other areass to deal with that.
I agree if a Mum feels O.K to go home within these eight hours, that is fine. But if she is
not, please give her the little extra time to deal with the emotions - talk to Midwives and
Mums - PLEASE.
As we live in the Highlands, Raigmore Hospital covers a huge area. We have our local
hospital, which im sure most women would love to have their baby in, but again, due
to lack of funding. these hospitals do not have the facilities fa help in cases of the worse
scenario so we need to go to raigmore. Local midwives cover a huge area too and they are worked to their limits they are not always avaiable exacly when you need them as they have other ladies to attend to over a vast area.
So, our only choice for first time pregnancies and pregnancies with complications is to go
to Raigmore hospital. For me it is 72 miles, for those in Skye and further afield it is a
lot more, so we need time MORE THAN 6 HOURS IN HOSPITAL IF WE NEED IT.
Another concern is on arriving home. As the MidWifery service in my locality is going
through the same budget issues the Midwifery staff are stretched to full capacity.
This means that the level of care and access to a Midwife is limited, which could be
critical if intensive support was requrred