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Early pregnancy staffing

Posted By tigermd65

"Early pregnancy staffing"

About: Maternity care / Early Pregnancy Assessment Service (EPAS) Royal Alexandra Hospital / Maternity care Vale of Leven General Hospital / Maternity care

(as the patient),

I was booked in for a follow-up scan to confirm my miscarriage at the EPAU at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and this was cancelled about 13 hours before because they would not have the staff available on the day. This was so distressing, I actually cried at the news on the phone. The midwife who contacted me was so nice & reassuring that it would be sorted soon, but I just wanted to be able to move on to the next step in this awful process.

I then received a phone call the next morning with an appointment for that day at the Vale of Leven EPAU, thankfully I drive and was able to make this appointment, but not everyone would be in this position. Again, the midwife was great on the phone, making sure I would be able to get there and giving me all the information I needed.

I understand that things happen outwith control, however staff shortages like this shouldn’t be happening across any area of the NHS and I believe this is a problem much higher up than the poor staff that need to deal with it face to face everyday.

I have been seen throughout my care by midwives at QEUH, VoL & RAH and all staff I have dealt with have been fantastic,  I have also had care on ward 32 at the RAH and the staff there were great and very sympathetic & sensitive to my situation. 

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Responses

Response from Gaynor Bird, Lead Midwife, Maternity, NHSGGC 9 hours ago
We are preparing to make a change
Gaynor Bird
Lead Midwife, Maternity,
NHSGGC

Submitted on 17/07/2025 at 13:44
Published on Care Opinion at 14:04

picture of Gaynor Bird

Dear tigermd65,

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience during what must have been an incredibly difficult and emotional time. We are truly sorry for your loss and for the distress caused by the cancellation of your appointment at such a sensitive moment.

We are heartened to hear that the midwives you encountered at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Vale of Leven, and the Royal Alexandra Hospital provided you with compassionate and sensitive care. Your recognition of their kindness and professionalism means a great deal to the teams who work tirelessly to support women and families through these challenging experiences.

We also want to acknowledge your concerns about staffing and the impact this had on your care. Please be assured that improving Early Pregnancy services is a priority across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. We are actively working to strengthen our Early Pregnancy Assessment Services (EPAS), including addressing staffing challenges, improving access to timely care, and ensuring that services are delivered with the dignity, privacy, and compassion every person deserves.

Your feedback is invaluable in helping us shape these improvements. Thank you again for your courage in sharing your story and for your kind words about the staff who supported you.

Best wishes

Gaynor

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