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"Lack of empathy and care"

About: University Hospital Wishaw / Maternity Care (Wards 21-24)

(as a service user),

I've recently had a terrible traumatic time here  after it was discovered my pregnancy was ectopic.

Doctor came into the room, asked why I was there, had to explain it all again. Over the time I was there I think I must have seen at least 6 different people. Having voiced my concerns at getting methotrexate, I was told that I didn't have to get it, it was my choice, I was healthy, not unwell, lived locally and the ectopic was measuring at 1.5. However, the Doctor then proceeded to put the fear of god into me and my husband. Firstly by saying I could stay in hospital so they could monitor me, then saying if I went home I had to have someone around me 24hrs a day and get to them as soon as possible if I felt even the slightest bit of pain, told me I could have internal bleeding which could be fatal.

Now I'm not naive, I had read about ectopic risks, however to be told that it was my decision as I wasn't unwell to then basically be told if I left I had to understand that I could potentially die was horrendous. So, I made the decision to get methotrexate. However what that Doctor didn't realise was that the pharmacy was now closed. Thankfully, the pharmacy called back to say they would make up the injection. The Doctor then wanted to have a chat again, to which I had to reply how time sensitive the situation had become.

So before having the injection I had to sign a disclaimer, the Doctor continued to tell me that this injection would also terminate a potential secondary pregnancy they thought I may have had in my uterus. But, because there was no heartbeat they said it may have been very early. So conflicted. On one hand telling me I had to have the injection basically but on the other hand telling my I'm terminating a pregnancy. Which they then said wouldn't be viable anyway because my HCG levels were low. Mentally overwhelming, this is my 3rd loss and I've had 2 MVA procedures but this by far has been the worst experience I have had. Lack of empathy, care, rotation of staff in and out, even the little thing like a cup of tea.

We arrived at maternity triage around 11:30am and didn't leave till 4:30pm. I was offered tea at 4pm, this may seem petty but I was clearly in shock and extremely emotional, this could have been offered early instead of sitting in a freezing cold room with a jug of water. 5 attempts to take blood, 1 Doctor actually hurt me and kept saying my veins were deep, like that was my fault. They knew previously that there was a difficulty obtaining blood so I can't understand why they didn't take what they needed the first time round and why it's not on my file what blood group I am, given that this was my 3rd loss. 

Finally, I think it absolutely disgraceful and disgusting that an ectopic pregnancy is not considered as a pregnancy loss and I am having to basically fight to be referred to the reoccurring miscarriage clinic. I was pregnant. I am no longer pregnant. That is a loss of a pregnancy. In my view, NHS lanarkshire need to get alongside people like Tommys and give women what they deserve. We didn't ask to be in this position but the least you can do is help to ensure we aren't again. England has a 2 loss rule now, why don't we?

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Responses

Response from Heather Weir, Senior Midwife, Community & Outpatients, NHS Lanarkshire 3 months ago
We are preparing to make a change
Heather Weir
Senior Midwife, Community & Outpatients,
NHS Lanarkshire
Submitted on 09/01/2024 at 10:49
Published on Care Opinion at 14:29


Good Morning WeeT87

Firstly I am so sorry for your journey of care.

I have replied to some of your comments on " a mixture of emotions"

Perhaps it would be better if you could give me a call so that we can address your concerns and assist in any way we can. My telephone number is 01698 361100 Extension 7226.

Or Heather Foinette who is the Ward Manager for the area 01698 361100 Extension 8769.

Best Wishes

Heather Weir

Senior Midwife Community and Outpatients

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