Dr Shiva @ Medcare Hospital

She was my ob for my first pregnancy and pregnancy and I decided that I would not go back to either Dr Shiva or the Medcare for my second pregnancy for a number of reasons. I found the administrative side of the Medcare to be useless and frustrating and the different departments appeared unable to communiciate with each other. Although Dr Shiva was pleasant, appointments were always 1-2 hours late, short and getting info was just too difficult. If I needed any emergency appointments inbetween my scheduled appointments, it was impossible to see her or even to speak to her on the phone or email her. It all had to be done via A&E. Despite being a difficult birth, Dr Shiva didn't arrive until the end and sadly key things IMO were missed. The last straw for me was when my DS was seriously ill in NICU and 3 doctors and 2 nurses came into my room and basically implied that it was my fault that the birth had gone so wrong. The nurses were lovely and kind although when my DS was transferred to a different hospital (I remained at Medcare as I was ill myself) and I had to go to the other hospital at 2am to give blood to my DS, the nurses were bizarrely trying to suggest I should be discharged at the same time! I found that quite shocking even in my ill and distressed state. This is not to scaremonger, it was just my honest experience. I know lots of people who had successful births at the Medcare with Dr Shiva and other doctors there so maybe I was just unlucky but as I said for a number of reasons I would not go back there. For my second pregnancy and birth I went to Dr Raj at the American and I cannot tell you how different the experience was. Dr Raj and the hospital were both fantastic. Dr Raj was on email and on her mobile if there were any queries in-between appointments and she rang back without fail. My friend also used Dr Raj and had a more complicated pregnancy - Dr Raj would always squeeze her into an appointment if necessary. None of this having to go to A&E and sit and wait for hours! I know everyone has different opinions of the same doctors and hospitals and each hospital and doctor will have their stories so you just have to do your research and trust your instinct. I wish I'd done more for my first birth. edited by waterbaby on 08/05/2012 I'm starting to see some of this now. I'm getting frustrated by her. I've been on bed rest so havent attended an appointment in 8 weeks so I'm hardly a 'needy' patient who is always at her clinic. Even so if I have any questions it is 1. Impossible to get her to reply to an email 2. Impossible to get her on the phone 3. Reception for her clinic can be so ANNOYING 4. I keep having to go A&E if I have any problems... why do I have a gyni if I'm just going to be seen by A&E all the time? BUT havent experienced waiting more than 15 minutes for an appointment and I've been on VERY busy days. She is polite and does listen to you. I've seen some horrible docs here who just dont want to listen to a word you have to say. I'm sticking with her because I know shes good at what she does. I was told by so many doulas that Dr Shiva is not someone who will have alot of time for her patients during consultations but if anything goes wrong during delivery shes the one you want to be with.

Two tone ! Slating another doctor in another thread ? Indeed you must be the one with the hard to please attitude .

waterbaby, i completely agree with you, i was sent to Dr Shiva initially before i went to City Hospital and found her to be very business like, rushed and passed me onto a male nurse to show me around the ward and answer any further questions. I soon walked out in tears and decided thats definitely not the choice of hospital or place of birth for me!

She was my ob for my first pregnancy and pregnancy and I decided that I would not go back to either Dr Shiva or the Medcare for my second pregnancy for a number of reasons. I found the administrative side of the Medcare to be useless and frustrating and the different departments appeared unable to communiciate with each other. Although Dr Shiva was pleasant, appointments were always 1-2 hours late, short and getting info was just too difficult. If I needed any emergency appointments inbetween my scheduled appointments, it was impossible to see her or even to speak to her on the phone or email her. It all had to be done via A&E. Despite being a difficult birth, Dr Shiva didn't arrive until the end and sadly key things IMO were missed. The last straw for me was when my DS was seriously ill in NICU and 3 doctors and 2 nurses came into my room and basically implied that it was my fault that the birth had gone so wrong. The nurses were lovely and kind although when my DS was transferred to a different hospital (I remained at Medcare as I was ill myself) and I had to go to the other hospital at 2am to give blood to my DS, the nurses were bizarrely trying to suggest I should be discharged at the same time! I found that quite shocking even in my ill and distressed state. This is not to scaremonger, it was just my honest experience. I know lots of people who had successful births at the Medcare with Dr Shiva and other doctors there so maybe I was just unlucky but as I said for a number of reasons I would not go back there. For my second pregnancy and birth I went to Dr Raj at the American and I cannot tell you how different the experience was. Dr Raj and the hospital were both fantastic. Dr Raj was on email and on her mobile if there were any queries in-between appointments and she rang back without fail. My friend also used Dr Raj and had a more complicated pregnancy - Dr Raj would always squeeze her into an appointment if necessary. None of this having to go to A&E and sit and wait for hours! I know everyone has different opinions of the same doctors and hospitals and each hospital and doctor will have their stories so you just have to do your research and trust your instinct. I wish I'd done more for my first birth. <em>edited by waterbaby on 08/05/2012</em>

I'm due this week and not satisfied with her attitude at all. At first I agree that app always go late, it is like we don't have plans ahead and this is only our business to see the doctor. She is not committed to patient. Especially when it is first pregnancy and you want to know everything you can hear "it's ok" and "everything is fine" as an answer. Of course it is good when everything is fine with the baby but you expect to get more detailed info. Yes she smiles and greets you at the entrance but when you leave she writes and don't put so much afford to say cheerio. After delivery I'll definitely see another doctor and don't really want her to attend my labour.

Just an update, I really liked Dr. Shiva at first, but I do agree that she is very rushed and to the point. My husband asked her if she will for sure be the doctor there during our delivery and she gave a very vague answer of 'We have doctors on rotation and a system in place, so it could be me, could be someone else'. How is that reassuring? She also gave me an unnecessary scare 1 week after my fetal anomoly scan which showed everything was fine, she said I need to go in for another one because my stomach was looking too big for 22 weeks. I was so distressed and it turned out to be fine, even the scan tech was asking why I'm back after one week when the old one showed the fluid was fine. Then when I went to her after the results, shes like 'Oh it looks fine'. That was it, after all the stress I had been going through she couldnt give me a proper explanation?! She is polite and smiling, and she does a scan every time which I like because I like seeing my little munchkin, but overall I wish she would explain things better and seem to care more. I feel like Im just being herded out of her room every time I go! Also, our average waiting time for each appointment is 1.5 hours, last time we were waiting 2 hours! She had an emergency c-section which is understandable, but irritating nonetheless! I am still going to her because I havent heard anything better of Dr Luthra @ Medcare, and Dr Elsa at City Hospital is booked till August, might try American Hospital though. I'm just not as happy with her as I'd like to be! Also, she doesnt give her phone number which I know alot of gynaes dont, but Ive needed to speak to her a few times and been unable to. When I call Medcare to connect to her, shes either not there or in the operating theatre. I'm not being needy but I'm in my 7th month of pregnancy and I'd like to know my doctor can be there to answer my concerns! -- Due July 24th 2012 -- <em>edited by sourskittleash on 01/05/2012</em>

I was with Dr. Shiva in 2009 for my previous pregnancy and like many others turned to EW for advice on which OB/Gyn to choose for my pregnancy and birth. I seen such rave reviews like the below of Dr. Shiva that I decided to go to her. It was the worst decision of my life. I would never recommend her to anyone. Only after discussing with DH today about the reviews, he mentioned that I should post because so many women would choose her based on these glowing reviews which was definitely not the case for me. All her appointments were late and rushed throughout the pregnancy. Felt like I was a cow in an assembly line... go in, weigh, wee in jar and wait for doc who takes 5 mins. Any questions dispelled by no problem or yes/no. I found that she did an unnecessary scan at every appointment and scared me every time saying that the umbilical cord is too close to DD's neck. I also saw that wonderful wall of appreciation cards and thought that I am in good hands. I also thought she was pro natural delivery hence the decision to stay with her. Needless to say I suffered an unnecesarian due to her mis-management of my labour and delivery. I would not recommend her or Medcare to anyone. I can write up my entire experience with the labour and delivery + non care @ Medcare but that requires another thread. Just wanted to add my bit. I'm 18 weeks pregnant and have been with Dr Shiva since 12 weeks pregnant. In my initial meeting I wasnt expecting much as I've heard she is great at what she does but everything is rushed etc. my experience was the absoloute opposite. My appointment was 10 minutes or so delayed which really isnt a big deal for me. Its possible to run late. When walking into her office its fantastic to see one wall full of appreciation cards and photos of babies she has delivered. It really gives you a settling feeling that your in good hands. Dr Shiva took her time to get my medical history, did a scan to check on baby and asked what questions I had for her. We discussed a natural delivery etc and she was more than happy with this. Since then I've had minor spotting twice and each time was asked to come into emergency. I had no problem with this. I was seen by the on call emergency gyni who ordered a scan straight away to check on baby and me. Once i got back from both emergency visits I dropped a quick mail to Dr Shiva to update her as I was told the bleeding may be due to a low lying placenta. She called me personally the very same day on both occasions to let me know that she had been updated by the emergency gyni also and helped me with what I need to do next to ensure no more bleeding. I like small things about her for example I'm always greeted with a smile as I enter her room for my appointments. She will refer to me as 'darling' which is sweet and she speaks gently. This may mean nothing to some but I've encountered some outregeously rude gyni's so Dr Shiva really is a breath of fresh air for me. I think shes shes absoloutely fantastic, with a brilliant bed side manner and of course shes very profesional. I hope shes there when I give birth and I'm certain she will be if I need a c/s due to a low lying placenta. Otherwise Its not a deal breaker for me if she isnt as I've now experienced a few of the gyni doctors at medcare due to my emergency visits and I dont have any complaints.

Just wanted to add my bit. I'm 18 weeks pregnant and have been with Dr Shiva since 12 weeks pregnant. In my initial meeting I wasnt expecting much as I've heard she is great at what she does but everything is rushed etc. my experience was the absoloute opposite. My appointment was 10 minutes or so delayed which really isnt a big deal for me. Its possible to run late. When walking into her office its fantastic to see one wall full of appreciation cards and photos of babies she has delivered. It really gives you a settling feeling that your in good hands. Dr Shiva took her time to get my medical history, did a scan to check on baby and asked what questions I had for her. We discussed a natural delivery etc and she was more than happy with this. Since then I've had minor spotting twice and each time was asked to come into emergency. I had no problem with this. I was seen by the on call emergency gyni who ordered a scan straight away to check on baby and me. Once i got back from both emergency visits I dropped a quick mail to Dr Shiva to update her as I was told the bleeding may be due to a low lying placenta. She called me personally the very same day on both occasions to let me know that she had been updated by the emergency gyni also and helped me with what I need to do next to ensure no more bleeding. I like small things about her for example I'm always greeted with a smile as I enter her room for my appointments. She will refer to me as 'darling' which is sweet and she speaks gently. This may mean nothing to some but I've encountered some outregeously rude gyni's so Dr Shiva really is a breath of fresh air for me. I think shes shes absoloutely fantastic, with a brilliant bed side manner and of course shes very profesional. I hope shes there when I give birth and I'm certain she will be if I need a c/s due to a low lying placenta. Otherwise Its not a deal breaker for me if she isnt as I've now experienced a few of the gyni doctors at medcare due to my emergency visits and I dont have any complaints.

I gave birth in December to a boy, 3.9kg and 60cm long. I wanted to share my experience for first timers trying to decide on doctors. I had read a lot of reviews about Dr Luthra before I went to see her, but none of them alarmed me or gave me reason not to see her. I'm fairly laid back, don't need a lot of attention, I was happy with my 6minute appointments and wasn't trying to find a doctor I could be friends with. I decided to part ways with dr luthra at 37 weeks. I admit she was brisk with her assessments and wasn't overly friendly, to be honest that never bothered me. I was after a doctor I could trust, who was good in an emergency and someone who respected my wishes. Once she had detected the baby would be over 3kg I lost all trust in any of the above, she couldn't talk about anything other than how 'huge' this baby was going to be with an estimated birth weight of 3.5kg. She disdained my weight increases of 1kg a month and treated me as nothing more than a vessel carrying her subject. She doesn't take phone calls from patients, instead you should report to emergency department with every concern. I gave birth to my third baby a 4.5kg and 60cm tall boy in July 2011 at MedCare with Dr Luthra. My experience with her was the complete opposite to yours. At 36 weeks she told me that my baby wasn't going to be too big she estimated his birth weight to be 3.8kg from the scan that I had. However baby was late and she let me wait to see if I would go into labour naturally before inducing me. Her nurse Yvonne was lovely and always took phone calls, Dr Luthra always called back when a message was left for her. I asked for completely no drugs and she was happy with that. She was absolutely fantastic during the delivery where she took complete control of the room. She focused me at the time when I thought there was no way I could do it. She praised my progress the whole time and encouraged me to keep going. She kept telling me I was doing a fantastic job and how proud she was. She gave my husband and mother each a roll to play in helping me with the delivery. I had an excellent birth experience with Dr Luthra and would highly recommend her.

I gave birth in December to a boy, 3.9kg and 60cm long. I wanted to share my experience for first timers trying to decide on doctors. I had read a lot of reviews about Dr Luthra before I went to see her, but none of them alarmed me or gave me reason not to see her. I'm fairly laid back, don't need a lot of attention, I was happy with my 6minute appointments and wasn't trying to find a doctor I could be friends with. I decided to part ways with dr luthra at 37 weeks. I admit she was brisk with her assessments and wasn't overly friendly, to be honest that never bothered me. I was after a doctor I could trust, who was good in an emergency and someone who respected my wishes. Once she had detected the baby would be over 3kg I lost all trust in any of the above, she couldn't talk about anything other than how 'huge' this baby was going to be with an estimated birth weight of 3.5kg. She disdained my weight increases of 1kg a month and treated me as nothing more than a vessel carrying her subject. She doesn't take phone calls from patients, instead you should report to emergency department with every concern. I changed to dr sima at medwin and never looked back. I had such a wonderful experience with her, I can not recommend her enough! She explained everything thoroughly, explained options and then gave reasons for her preference before giving us a chance to decide. She acknowledged my husband and made him a part of the process. When it came to delivery she actively managed me throughout the entire process. She was there from start to finish and came to check on me 2hrs after delivery... At 3am in the morning. She really was great and went above and beyond. Now I know why people say that, even if pregnant outside of UAE, they will always come back to Dr Sima.

I was with Dr Shiva for 3 yrs and never had a problem, until the day I walked into her office and said that I was 5 weeks pregnant, my first.. She couldn't understand what we were asking her, being from SA, my accent is not very hard to understand. She just shoved papers in front of me and said read these. When I asked about what was next and about packages, I was told to speak to reception.. The app was very short, as if she couldn't get me out quick enough to see the next client.. NOT HAPPY.. DH said then and there that she would not be delivering our baby.. Took me 4 weeks to find another Dr after research and recommendations.. Finally I settled with Dr Grace Jacobs at the DXB mall medical centre and have no complaints, she is very friendly, answers all my questions and even makes jokes with DH..

I had my first appointment with Dr. Shiva at MedCare today and found her to be very nice and smiling, answering all my questions. She did a scan for me as well (I'm 12 weeks). I didn't experience any of the rushed appointment or waiting ages or coldness from her that I had read about before going. I guess it's different for everyone! My husband I really liked her, if any change in my opinion after more appointments I'll update. :) Also, I know of 3 friends of mine who delivered with her and were very happy with prenatal care as well as delivery. edited by sourskittleash on 11/01/2012 <em>edited by sourskittleash on 11/01/2012</em>