"Access to gas & air"

I recently attended Inverurie community maternity unit in spontaneous labour. It became apparent I was experiencing back to back contractions as my baby was in Occiput Posterior (OP) position.

I was in a room with no gas & air and was told I would not be moved to the birthing room unless 4cm dilated where the gas & air is attached to the wall. I had a tens machine and dihydracodine and eventually an emergency ambulance arrived at around midnight to take me to Aberdeen.

The paramedics were able to give me gas & air which made a huge difference. I am aware I was the only patient in Inverurie that afternoon/ evening and on reflection I think it’s poor that I was not able to receive gas & air at Inverurie and suggest this rule is reviewed.

I understand if two others had come in further along in labour they would be prioritised for the birthing suites where the gas & air is located, but to go through that without it was hard.

I did end up having an emergency c section and all the midwives/doctors / paramedics involved in my overall care were excellent. Especially the student midwife Patricia that came with me from Inverurie to Aberdeen and Kera the midwife in Aberdeen.