Southmead Antenatal Clinic bristol

Very poor management and clueless reception staff. We had our two scans here (12 and 20 week). Scan one was scheduled ok but the sonographer was not friendly at all and didn't want to answer any questions we had when she concluded not to run the combined test. Speaking to our midwife afterwards confirmed that it was not usual practice and had no logical explanation. Laziness? Our second scan scheduling was ridiculous! We received a text late the evening before our scan (Wednesday) saying it has been cancelled and rescheduled for Saturday morning. After hundreds of attempts to get through on the phone line the next day (a bit of exaggeration but in truth not that far off!) the reception staff confirmed there was suddenly no staff available hence the reschedule. Fine. We cancelled our Saturday plans to ensure we were at the clinic in the morning with time to spare before our appointment. We found the clinic LOCKED and EMPTY! They were closed! After waiting 45mins and checking in with the maternity ward (who also struggled to find anyone who knew what was going on) we left. Speaking to the reception staff (after another hundred or so calls to get through), they said "Oh yes, we cancelled that one too. And the system says you were not notified.". *INSERT PROFANITY LADEN RANT* After several more days of calls with reception to try and get hold of anyone with any common sense to try and book in our scan (which is now a week behind), we finally received confirmation that the clinic manager bumped into the reception staff and a slot miraculously opened up for the end of the week. Attending the second scan, the reception staff were clueless as expected and seemed to be dealing with another couple's complaint. Fortunately, the sonographer for our second scan was much more pleasant and made it a joyous experience, as it should be! Recommendation: Use another clinic or prepare to have some frustrating correspondence and poor organisation.

Even with covid the services are managed pretty well. Usually have to wait a bit. Car park is not free.

Really good service for all 3 scans so far.

On a factual basis you need to note that there is often very little parking, if any. Gridlock can set in with the tight spaces, it's a camera system, so you pay at a machine before leaving (smallest number of hours is 2). Waiting area is very busy and not a great place when you're expected some bad news. As always the NHS does the best with the limited resources it probably has