"A mixture of emotions"

I have recently just experienced my 3rd pregnancy loss and wanted to share some insights.

The staff at the EPAS are amazing, personal kindness they show is truly heartwarming. In particular I would like to mention Michelle,  who has been there for me throughout all 3 losses. I genuinely hand on heart don't know how I could have got through my losses without her, she is reassuring, kind and takes great passion with her job. 

My concerns for the department. Firstly, its location, situated in the middle of labour wards is like mental torture. Passing heavily pregnant ladies, people leaving with their newborns or visitors arriving with balloons and gifts is truly like a stab to the heart each time. Its gut wrenching and extremely inconsiderate.

The lack of follow up support. I know EPAS is stretched like most NHS departments, however this is now my 3rd loss and there is little to none support been offered for my mental health. On one occasion, a nurse asked me how I was, my reply was s**t, just utter s**t. There was no interaction or concern, it's like it's just an expected emotion given what I'm going through and they either don't have the time or compassion to help your further.

My 2nd MVA procedure I had a student attempt to take my blood, left my arm in a terrible state, now I know students have to learn but surely not when someone is going through what I was. Then I had someone try to perform the procedure that hadn't done it before, I ended up asking them to stop as I felt like a guinea pig. Again, appreciate people need to learn but not on me.

The EPAS is a very sensitive place, filled with a mixture of emotions, I cry anytime I go into the scan room, but the staff are lovely and so kind, however there needs to be more of them. Please stop over stretching this unit and give them the additional support they need. It's beneficial to the staff and the patients.