[simba2013]

Hi everyone,

It looks like I'll be going to RNS Public, wondering if anyone had their baby there, and what was the experience like? Also are public hospitals ok? This is my first pregnancy so any insights would be great.

[PicKleZZZ]

I had my bubsie there who is now 1. The care during my stay, and the follow up care were absolutely fantastic. I will most definitely have my second child there. If you can, try get into the midwife care. I forget the proper name, but where you are allocated one midwife the whole time. I didn't get into it until half way through my pregnancy.
Honestly some of the stories friends have told me about their expensive private care are horrific. Other than the food, I could not fault the care I received.

[emmaellis]

I had both my boys there - now 7 and 4 and I was very happy with the whole process both times.

I think the scheme referred to by PP is the Group Midwifery Practice - can't recommend it highly enough.

Yes, food is not great and generally you share a room with another mother (and baby) but a small price to pay, in my opinion.

[lucky 2]

Also are public hospitals ok?

Yes, just like private hosps, some will have a better reputation than others.
The health professionals that work in them are the same in terms of qualifications.

What have you heard about the pubic health system that is of particular concern to you?

[AlexandraI]

Not good. That was my experience though, and every experience is different.
Loved the Mater.

[simba2013]

Thanks ladies, your advice is really helpful. I feel more comfortable with my choice now
And I will ask about the midwife care practice.

With the food, I guess I can always ask my mum to bring some home made food!

[simba2013]

Hi everyone,

I left a voicemail with RNSH to make my first appointment, it's been over a week and they still have not gotten back to me (apparently they only take appointments over voicemail, not over a conversation). I called them back and they said to wait 10 days before hearing back! Are they really so busy that they can't return calls until 10 days later??? I hope this is not a beginning of a bad experience at the hospital...

[Wildence]

I think the scheme referred to by PP is the Group Midwifery Practice - can't recommend it highly enough.

out of interest, what is the difference between normal public care and Midwifery program?

I am doing midwifery program and the midwife i have been seeing is great so far, very helpful and attentive! if you are doing normal care, do you turn up and then have to wait for them to see you?


OP - normally it takes them a couple of weeks to call you back. I think I had to wait 2 or 3 weeks. To be honest even if they book you in for a midwifery program(assuming you are doing it) you will still need to wait a good 2 months until midwife calls you and gets you to come in for the first initial appointment with her. I had my first appointment when i was 12 - 13 weeks.

[Petskies]

I had my 2 DD's at RNS - The care was great but did experience long long delays at checkup's.. This pregnancy I am going to gosford public and so far I have its been great every appoint has ran on time even early. no lengthy hour + waits... Also due to an emergency on the delivery ward I was left for hours in the delivery ward stuck to a bed after DD was born and resulted in me developing a blood clot on my leg. this could of happened at any hospital I guess but I was not happy that it happened.

[follies]

OP, where are you located? If you are able to I would recommend going to Hornsby instead.