Complaint to hospital worth it?

I really hope that this is the right place to post this. I found out yesterday that the midwives at the front desk when I was giving birth (Birth story here What a ride that was )we making comments like 'why is she being such a drama queen?' and "i wish she'd stop, she had the epidural' during a very long, difficult, painful back labour with an epi that wasn't working. Should I complain to the hospital about these women, and how would I go about it? Anyone else ever had this? I'm wavering between feeling furious and wanting to cry with embarrassment

Yep, definitely make a complaint. Maybe I'm being sensitive because parts of your story are very similar to mine, but standing around gossiping like that about a patient is just not on in my books. Very unprofessional!

I'm just not sure if it's too long, it's been about 10 weeks, I only recently found out because my MIL didn't want me to feel bad or embarrassed about two (insert expletive here). Although she did mention she also heard them complaining the inconvenience of having to go before the board about something. Should there be a HR person I can call or do a written complaint or something? I want these women banned from being allowed to traumatise emotionally vulnerable mothers anymore

10 weeks is not too long. You've been preoccupied. It's definitely not ok for them to behave that way.

Definitely put a complaint in! I would give the hospital a call and ask who to direct the written complaint to.

I'm a midwife and yes you should complain, they will get in trouble, sorry you experienced that.xx

Look up your hospital website, and see if there is a patient advocate (sometimes called consumer advocate). They can assist you through the complaint process.

The hospital website often has a description of their complaint process.

if you do not feel the issues is addressed through the hospital, contact the health quality and complaints commission. HQCC - Home

Their behaviour was not appropriate.

Definitely put a written complaint in. They are taken seriously, I have seen numerous complaints about staff etc, and they were all followed up promptly. If they aren't then lodge another complaint. They should not get away with this, totally unprofessional!

Definitely make a complaint to the patient advocate. If it was your MIL who heard them it may be worth getting her to make the complaint or co-sign your letter so it's first hand rather than indirect iykwim.

So I tried to find the website and unfortunately its old one has been taken down and thee's no new one. I then called the hospital and asked where I can call to make a complaint and then was promptly transferred, put on hold and hung up on. Next course of action is to write them a letter with my MIL and see where that gets me. Though by the track record it won't go anywhere. This sucks:wall:

Hi Kigga,

If you want to PM me the name of the hospital, i will find out who complaints should be addressed to. A written complaint is preferable to an oral one cos it makes it clearer to both you and the hospital what you were not happy with and what you would like done about it.

take care, it can be a frustrating process.

Hi Kigga,

If you want to PM me the name of the hospital, i will find out who complaints should be addressed to. A written complaint is preferable to an oral one cos it makes it clearer to both you and the hospital what you were not happy with and what you would like done about it.

take care, it can be a frustrating process.

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So I tried to find the website and unfortunately its old one has been taken down and thee's no new one. I then called the hospital and asked where I can call to make a complaint and then was promptly transferred, put on hold and hung up on. Next course of action is to write them a letter with my MIL and see where that gets me. Though by the track record it won't go anywhere. This sucks:wall:

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I see that you're in Qld. I can help. PM me.

Sorry, I don't think I can PM anyone I'm still only a registered user

sorry Kigga you are right, you need to have 50 posts in order to be able to PM.

You are definitely within your rights to complain and have grounds for complaint. I second what HotI has said. it might also be worth contacting the HQCC and asking how you go about making a complaint to the hospital without knowing who to contact (telling them that the website is down and that when you called, they transferred you and then hung up on you).

Hello
Yes, don't give up on this. It's clearly upsetting you and your opinion and feelings are important. Think of all the women who may benefit from your issue being taken further. It's very demoralising being made to feel so insignificant, but maternity care shouldn't be like this, birthing women are so special and they are bringing the next generation into the world. Your opinions should be respected and if you feel let down then you have every right to voice this. There are many, many fabulous midwives out there, we need to sing their praises more and help bring to the surface those who don't always respect their important role. I would suggest you try to contact the Head of Midwifery or the Supervisor of Midwives, there will be somebody who can help you. Putting your thoughts and experience into writing will be very useful in helping you deal with this situation anyway, this alone can be very important. Then if you get no luck on the telephone, I would take the letter to the hospital by hand and make sure it gets into the right pair of hands. Bring someone with you for support. Good luck.