If you are pregnant, some heartfelt advice.
* Avoid a midwife-led unit. They’re not safe. You need to be near an operating theatre and intensive care.
* Labour can go wrong in minutes. Don’t be complacent.
* if you think something feels wrong trust your maternal instinct.
* Don’t be fobbed off or sent home if you know you’re in labour. Some midwives are saints, others are bullies. Insist on your right to have care in hospital.
* if they induce you, chances are you will end up with a C-section. That’s fine. No need for disappointment. Your goal is a healthy living baby.
* If you’re in too much pain get your husband/partner to express your wishes. Be polite but firm. Your baby’s life may depend on you or its dad speaking up.
* If labour has gone on too long - my first was 24 hours - baby needs to come out. Say you want a C-section. Don’t fall for “normal birth” ideology beloved of too many midwives. Insist on a C-section.
* There is no such thing as a normal birth. Getting the baby out alive and not brain damaged is what matters.
* These are the most vital and precious hours of your life. Don’t be intimidated. You are the only voice your child has. Some midwives are out of their depth: request a doctor. You’re entitled to a doctor.
* if a midwife is rude or unpleasant say you are making a formal complaint. Request a second opinion - that is the law!
* chances are it will be fine. Just bear all of the above in mind. Enjoy your beautiful baby! ❤️
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Labour will not train new doctors - presumably to replace them with unqualified staff.
•Since 2008 MPs pay has increased by 60% from £61k to £99k
•Since 2008 doctors pay has increased by 37% from £28k to £39k. Allowing for inflation a pay cut of 30%
The govt's Student Loan Plan 2 repayment freeze in April 2027 must be reversed. It isn't moral.
I'm concerned that my debate with Kemi Badenoch this morning distracts from the most immediate problem. In April 2027 Rachel Reeves will freeze the Plan 2 student loan threshold until 2030 which by then will increase graduate repayments by £300/yr more.
This is effectively a unilateral negative breach of the student loan contract. Students were told the threshold would rise with average earnings. No commercial lender would be allowed to do this. The govt shouldn't do it either.
Changing the terms of future students loans is a political decision - people may not like it but it is transparent. Negatively changing the terms of contracts already signed, and long in place, is a breach of natural justice.
@SadGirlPop_@TheBMA@BMAResidents Apparently if you hadn’t recently updated your employment details (i only did mine last year) that means we don’t get a vote. Shocking really