Enter and view: Sharoe Green Antenatal Clinic

Healthwatch Lancashire undertook an announced enter and view visit to Sharoe Green Antenatal Clinic on 21 March 2024.  They spoke to 19 people.

Overall, patients had mixed comments around support early in the pregnancy and made mention of a lack of support in comparison to after four months. There were mixed comments about the Badger Notes App with some patients liking how they were able to receive updates and results straight away. Some patients said the app be confusing and would prefer paper copies of their records. 

Patients were happy with the care they had received and mentioned that the booking-in process could be difficult as they weren’t sure where to check in and what the reception area in the Antenatal Clinic was for. 

Preston Antenatal Clinic was situated inside the Sharoe Green Unit at Royal Preston Hospital and was to the left of the main reception desk. The building was accessible for patients who use physical aids and for prams, the door to the Antenatal Clinic was open to allow patients to walk in and out freely. The signage once in the waiting area was limited and many patients were observed unsure where to check in and where they should be waiting. 

The waiting area was split in two with one room being for patients to see a midwife or consultant and one room dedicated to those parents having glucose tests. Staff members were observed entering the waiting area and calling patients for their appointments. The staff appeared polite and walked with the patient down to the consultation room. Some patients within the waiting area were observed to be waiting over an hour whereas others were seen quickly for other clinics.

Overall staff appeared happy with their job and mentioned that they have a good team within the Antenatal Clinic, and they support each other in the department. Staff did mention that with the increase of parents having a high-risk pregnancy, was putting a strain on wait times and clinic appointments could fall behind quite quickly. 

During the visit, the waiting room did become crowded with many families waiting to be seen. Staff were observed to be waiting for a room to become free so that they could see the next patient in the waiting area. There was information on display for parents to view, explaining the process of pregnancy and different aspects of pregnancy, but these were small and not readable from a distance.