Maitland Public Hospital

[1492]

I'd like everyone to share their experiences with Maitland Public Hospital with me please as I am considering it as a choice for my second. I went private in newcastle with my first but as Maitland is closer I'm considering Maitland Public as a private patient.

I'd appreciate any feedback as I have only two weeks to decide what I'm going to do!:yes:

[headoverfeet]

Maitland Public Hospital (http://www.mybirth.com.au/birth-stats/provider_details.php?id=32)


ONSET OF LABOUR (all values are in percentage)
Spontaneous Total: 59.3
Spontaneous/No Augmentation: 50.6
Spontaneous/Augmentation: 8.7
Induced: 26.7
No Labour: 14.0
METHOD OF BIRTH (all values are in percentage)
Normal Vaginal: 69.1
Forceps: 0.7
Vacuum Extraction: 4.0
Vaginal Breech: 0.5
Caesarean Section Total: 25.7
Caesarean Section Labour: 11.7
Caesarean Section No Labour: 14.0
VBAC Success rate: 17.00
PAIN RELIEF (all values are in percentage)
Epidural / Spinal: 28.2
General Anaesthetic: 4.0
IM Narcotics: 13.00
Nitrous Oxide: 48.5
Nil: 16.2
PERINEAL STATUS (all values are in percentage)
Intact: 29.9
1st degree tear/graze: 32.8
2nd degree tear: 19.4
3rd or 4th degree tear: 2.3
Combined Tear & Episiotomy: 1.7
Episiotomy: 3.4

Newcastle Private Hospital (http://www.mybirth.com.au/birth-stats/provider_details.php?id=78)


ONSET OF LABOUR (all values are in percentage)
Spontaneous Total: 47.5
Spontaneous/No Augmentation: 37.8
Spontaneous/Augmentation: 9.7
Induced: 32.1
No Labour: 20.5
METHOD OF BIRTH (all values are in percentage)
Normal Vaginal: 48.9
Forceps: 4
Vacuum Extraction: 11.9
Vaginal Breech: 0.1
Caesarean Section Total: 35.1
Caesarean Section Labour: 14.6
Caesarean Section No Labour: 20.5
VBAC Success rate: 9.3
PAIN RELIEF (all values are in percentage)
Epidural / Spinal: 60.6
General Anaesthetic: 1.5
IM Narcotics: 14.4
Nitrous Oxide: 40.0
Nil: 5.6
PERINEAL STATUS (all values are in percentage)
Intact: 23.9
1st degree tear/graze: 19.5
2nd degree tear: 34.1
3rd or 4th degree tear: 2.4
Combined Tear & Episiotomy: 0.8
Episiotomy: 18.0

Hope that helps you make a decision :)

[kasielee]

I had my DD at Maitland Public 8 weeks ago and they were fabulous! The drs and midwives that delivered me as well as the midwives and nurses in the maternity unit were very helpful, knowledgable and respectful.

[Roopee]

I've supported a mum at Maitland and her experience wasn't too pleasant- rude m/wives, condescending, quite awful really

BUT

I have also heard a few 'feel good' stories and some storied where women couldn't have been happier with their experience.
I think everyone's experiences are different- perhaps go in and meet some of the m/wives at both hospitals and see how you feel?

JHH is an option as a private patient too....

[Mrs J]

i birthed all 3 of my kids there and had no trouble at all, when my son was born not breathing they worked quickly to get him stable and organised his transfer to john hunter, mwives were nice, my stay was good. The only problem i did have was when i had a m/c they were aweful, but that wasn't the labour ward that was the emergency department. i overall recommend it never found them to be anything but nice to me. All hospitals have some mdwives/drs etc that are nasty, you can't win, i was just lucky i guess.

[tootiredtosleep]

I had DD2 there, it was an elective caesar though. I thought it was fine.

I had private cover as a public patient, but they were very reluctant to give me a private room.

DH overheard them saying that they had one free, and insisted they give it to me, even then they tried to talk us out of it, saying it was right near the nurses station and very noisy etc etc. I got it in the end and it really made the experience better for me.

ETA: just reread that you will be private patient. Like any hospy, they told me a private room wasn't guaranteed, they keep them for twins, complications etc. If you do decide Maitland, keep asking if at first they say no! The private rooms have a shared bathroom, and a Tv. I don't think they had any TVs in the ward.

I was pretty much left alone by the middies, they only really bothered me to do obs or give me pain relief. They didn't want us to co-sleep, but I had to, DD2 wouldnt settle otherwise.

I know plenty of Mums who have had great births at the John Hunter, but I had been there so much for DD1s hip problems, that I just wanted somewhere smaller for my birth, so chose Maitland.

[aprileviesmum]

Most of the maternity rooms don't have TV's at Maitland Hospital.
I think there are about 3 rooms that have TV's and thoses rooms are for one woman, they are more private rooms.
I birthed my two children at Maitland Hospital and i found the midwife's and my whole experience with the hospital was very positive.
One thing though, the food is pretty awfull:barf:

[Bexta]

Checkout the episiotomy rates... what a difference! :eek:

[Sheer Bliss]

My sister delivered there (although it was an induction due to Diabetes) I think she had no issues with the delivery staff (although with a labour just under 2hrs there wasn't much time spent with them!) but the m/w on the ward pretty much ignored her, and it took ages to get anyone to answer the buzzer. Not too bad as it was her 4th, so she did have things kinda under control, but she couldn't wait to get home!

I am not sure who you are seeing - but delivering at Maitland public then transferring to Maitland private might be an option?

Cool - My twins are in the low 5.6% of Nil pain relief at NPH!!!! Although I wonder did they count as 1 or 2?? They were 2 births, but only the one labour. :laughing:

ETA: food at Maitland private is lovely!! I spent some time in there when I had hyperemesis, and it's a shame I didn't get to go back when I WANTED to eat, as what I did have was rather nice! lol

[angellisa]

Hi everyone, i am 11 weeks pregnant with my first child and i am sooo confused!

I have private health insurance but my husbands work situation is changing and we may not be able to afford the private insurance anymore.

so my questions are - im having the baby at maitland public but we are confused as to whether its a good idea to keep the insurance and deliver at public then go to maitland private?

or is it not really worth it? i may only be in hospital for 1 or 2 days as long as everything goes ok.

im really wanting to get Dr andrew Woods but does anyone know what he charges? i have heard if i go private that i can ask if the Dr provides the medi gap scheme which means i wont be out of pocket at all, has anyone had any experiences with him?

[Roopee]

Dr Woods is apparently wonderful! A past client of mine told me, (she is quite anti OB- unless absolutely necessary)that if she was having another she would seriously consider him as an option- those a BIG words from her, trust me:laughing:.

It is an option for you to transfer.

With MPH you're more likely to get your own room, no shared bathroom, and the food is likely to be much better. It's up to you if you want to transfer, you could always go and have a look at both hospitals post natal wards and see which you like better?

[Sheer Bliss]

They have a 5 day post-natal program at MPH, where they run classes, help with establishing b/f, bathing etc etc - all great stuff if you are unsure about that side of baby care. Also IMO, a longer than 3day stay is great f you are worried about establishing b/f and keeping it going, as when they day 3blues hit - it's good not to be alone, and with m/w that understand where your head is (or isn't!) and are equiped to help you deal with it. For first time parents - they also have 2 rooms with double beds, and for a small fee for the meals, your partner stays with you and goes through all the baby-care stuff too. The M/W that were there when I had hyperemesis all raved about Dr Woods too.

I am a private hospy girl all the way, so I may be biased! BUT I loved having my own room, bathroom etc. I had all my babies pre-term/prem, so had a week stay in hospy and being comfortable was really a help, as so much of everything else that was going on was hard. With a normal pregnancy/bub/birth, it might not have been so important.

with b/f though, my sis had very little help at maitland public compared to what I had in NPH and a what a friend had in MPH.

[angellisa]

thanks for the quick replies, i definetly think ill be going with Dr woods because like you ive heard such great things from a few different people.

perhaps being my first baby it would be good to just transfer to the maitland private after, but we'll just have to try and work out money etc.

im really hoping Dr Woods does do the medi gap scheme becuase then it's be a no brainer id definetly stay private for the next 6 months at least until ive had the baby.

[1492]

Hi Angellisa,

It was I who originally posted this thread about Maitland Public as I did not know if I should deliver at Maitland Public or Newcastle Private (as I did with No. 1). I've gone with Dr Andy Woods as I have heard he is fantastic as well (I haven't an appointment until mid September). He does participate in the medi gap scheme so you can rest assured. If you don't have it already, his number is 4933 3299. Give them a ring to confirm that your fund is compatible. Initial constultation is $130, check ups $70 ea, planning and management fee $1500. You used to be able to claim up to 80% of the planning and managment fee through medicare, however it's gone up a massive 150% and now we'll only get back a maximum of approx $460ish. You have to pay that at 21weeks.

I honestly haven't made a decision about private / public. I've gone with Dr Woods becasue he'll deliver at Maitland Public or Newcastle Private. If I deliver at the public I will be moving over to Maitland Private even if it is for only two days.

Good luck with your decision - I know it's hard! I'm thirteen weeks. If you like I'll add a post here after my first appointment to let you know what I think of Dr Woods!

[angellisa]

oh wow hi, thanks so much for your reply that has made me feel very happy now, haha..
im a bit confused with soemthing though, sooo.. the $1500 if i go private and then he does the medi gap scheme i wouldnt have to pay any of that would i?

im with NIB top cover and they said that they cover everything except for what the doctor goes over and above the schedule fees but that if he participates in the gap scheme then its completly covered and that id have no out of pocket expenses.
is that correct or am i totally wrong? lol..

[1492]

Okay,

The medi gap scheme that your fund participates in means that if you've got top cover for pregnancy then you will have no out of pocket expenses during your stay at hospital (apart from your funds excess).

I've been through this once before in '09 and am with Manchester Unity. Health funds do not cover one cent of Ob expenses prior to being in hospital. They cover your labour ward, your stay in hospital etc. You'd think they would when you pay out so much per week for the cover.... Anyway the pre-hospital expenses are only part funded by Medicare. So on your $70 - odd dollar consultation you'll get back through the medicare scheme your $30 - or so dollars you would as when you go to your GP. The initial consult of $130 you will get back just under $70. For the planning and management fee of $1500 you will be out of pocket most of it as the most you can claim through medicare is $463.40 (And that's if you hit your medicare threshold in a calander year!) Ring medicare and ring NIB so you can gain a full understanding of how much you will be out of pocket so you can weigh up your situation. If by some wonderful miracle NIB covers the pre-hospital expenses of an OB LET ME KNOW! I might rethink what fund I'm with for if we decide to have a third!

If it makes you feel a little bit better the $1500 is a fairly small planning and management fee when the OB's in Newy cost $2500 and above and I have heard of some outrageous prices from the girls on the bub hub. I've had my 14mth old on my knee whilst typing so if anthing does not make sense let me know!

[SarahDazz]

This info is greatly helping me too so please keep posting.

I have private health but have to wait till June 2011 for it to kick in for pregnancy and birth.

I am currently trying to decide whether to wait a month or so before TTC bub 2 so I can go private with an OB or to just wing it with the public system again - and then do I go Maitland or John Hunter again???

So much to think about and I've already done it once!

[RmumR]

Just adding in my 2 cents.

I am booked into having my bubs at JHH but am transferring to maitland private as soon as i can after she is born.
I am not fond of shared accomodation and don't want to go home too soon would rather take my time to be ready.

I went to take my pre-admission forms there on wednesday and got a little tour of the post-natal ward. looks lovely and was given great info books on theie 5day post-natal schedule. Showed it to DF and we are both convinced we have made the right decision

[SarahDazz]

Yep, the shared accommodation at the JHH is pretty off putting - to say it nicely. If I do choose to go there again it will be as a private patient so *hopefully* I can have my own room.
I had three other women in the room I was in after I had Lukas. I learnt their birth stories and the struggles they had with BF etc and I didn't even speak to a single one of them. I felt very uncomfortable and was discharged 10 hours after getting to the post natal ward. I couldn't handle being there longer than that.
I also didn't like how I had to leave my bub alone in a room with other people while I went to the loo across the hall. The nurses were helpful but it seemed too much trouble for them when I asked them to watch him while I got some sleep let alone every time I needed the loo.

Do you have to have an obstetrician to transfer to Maitland private?

I have visited friends in both Maitland and Newy private and found both to be excellent. All the nurses I encountered were really nice and ready to help. Even when visiting sheer bliss before the twinnies were born, they were more than accommodating to have me there out of visiting hours.:thumbsup: Oh, and the food I saw looked and smelled awesome! :D

[RmumR]

you can either have a private ob or a local dr who works in conjunction with maitland private.

i didn't have either so called maitland private and they told me which gp's work with them and i just called one of them and went in and saw her earlier this week, she was more than happy to fill in the pre-admission paperwork so i will be admitted under her supervision. easy peasy once you know what you have to do

[SarahDazz]

Ok so then you only have to pay your hospital excess (if you have one)?

I am thinking of going public for the birth at the JHH but then transferring to Maitland if it is that easy!:yes:

[RmumR]

Yep thats right its as simple as getting a local GP to agree to admit you (i've gone thru Heather stevenson at thornton).
they do the pre-admittance forms, you take them to Maitland private and you're all booked in.
When you go into labour at JHH you ask the midwives to let maitland know that you are in labour and will be transferring after birth. If you have a straight-forward birth you can leave JHH after 4hrs and head up and check into Maitland Private.

If you have PHI all you have to pay is your excess - if you have one and for the couple of times the GP will visit you at the hospital but they are just charged at regular gp rates.

[SarahDazz]

Excellent! THANK YOU!!! :D

I guess we will just start saving up for the excess when I get pregnant and then it will all be sweet!

[wannabee]

They have a 5 day post-natal program at MPH, where they run classes, help with establishing b/f, bathing etc etc - all great stuff if you are unsure about that side of baby care.


Sorry to bump up an old thread but just came across this on a Google search. Interesting as I transferred from NP to MPH in June 2010 after the birth of my son and they had absolutely NOTHING! We felt very isolated and alone while we were in hospital. Midwifes where shared with the general ward and we were lucky if we had them come do obs. We asked for help with b/f and was given a tv/ video and a stack of ABA videos to watch...helpful :banghead2: In all fairness there were two lovely midwives, but the rest were rude and really didn't seem like they could care less. I was really disappointed; I thought going private would be better.

Interested to hear more about Dr Andy Woods, I have heard good things about him (inc recommendation from one of the m/w's at MPH) and am considering seeing him with our next bub if we decide to go with an OB.

[mumofsa]

Can't decide if i must go private or public? Had 2 boys in South Africa and maybe want another baby.Don't want to pay all the money for private health etc. and there is not that much difference. Can anybody tell me what they think of Maitland/Newcastle Public for c-sections? Could rather spend the money on my bub? Please share your feelings.:cheerleader2: