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Baby loss

Posted By Magee

"Baby loss"

About: Altnagelvin Area Hospital / Emergency department Altnagelvin Area Hospital / General Surgery Altnagelvin Area Hospital / Gynaecology FAU (Ward 43) Altnagelvin Area Hospital / Maternity care

(as a service user),

I attended A&E following advice from my midwife due to being 16 weeks pregnant and having severe stomach pain & vomiting

At triage I told the triage nurse I felt like I was having contractions. At this time they went and got a consultant immediately who informed me not to panic and they would get gynae down to see me. 

I became more unwell in A&E and different doctors reviewed me, all stating that they would get gynae to review me. The A&E consultant was very attentive and at one point I could hear them outside the curtain begging gynae to come see me. 

The gynae team refused to see me and sent word they did not feel like this was an issue related to my baby. I was admitted surgically and gynae agreed that the next day they would scan me. 

The next day I attended ward 43 as an impatient from a surgical ward, alone, to find out my baby had passed away. I had to phone my husband distressed to tell him our baby passed away. 

During this admission I became very unwell and required an intensive care admission, I needed quite a few scans & on every occasion I was asked was there any chance I was pregnant. Whilst actively miscarrying my baby. This caused me so much upset each time. Surely there has to be a better communication method to pass on this information.

I was under numerous doctors, but I have never met a doctor with such a rude bedside manner as the doctor I was admitted to under surgery. They reviewed me on the gynae ward after I found out about my baby passing away and asked how was things, I told them my baby had passed away and they stated they did not know this. I told a nurse about the conversation and they said the doctor was informed before they came in.  

The doctor reviewed me the day after and asked had I passed the product yet. 

This product was my baby. 

I met so many amazing nurses, doctors, porters, cleaners - all staff during my prolonged hospital admission. That I will be forever grateful for their care & attention. 

However I cannot help but feel extremely let down. 

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Responses

Response from Leanne Hughes, Lead Nurse for Gynaecology Services WHSCT, Women and Children Service Altnagelvin, Western Health & Social Care Trust 9 months ago
Leanne Hughes
Lead Nurse for Gynaecology Services WHSCT, Women and Children Service Altnagelvin,
Western Health & Social Care Trust

Service Manager for Gynaecology

Submitted on 30/08/2024 at 08:53
Published on Care Opinion at 08:53

Firstly I wish to extend my deepest condolences on the loss of your baby and I am disheartened to hear that this was your experience within our services and thank you for highlighting.

As the Gynaecology Lead Nurse, When you are ready I would like the opportunity to possibly meet and discuss.

I can be contacted Mon- Fri 8-4pm

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Response from Michelle Scott, Patient Client Experience Lead, Professional Nursing and AHP, Western Health and Social Care Trust 9 months ago
Michelle Scott
Patient Client Experience Lead, Professional Nursing and AHP,
Western Health and Social Care Trust

I am the gatekeeper of Care Opinion and 10,000 voices quality improvement initiative for the Western Health and Social Care Trust

Submitted on 30/08/2024 at 16:41
Published on Care Opinion at 16:41

picture of Michelle Scott

Dear Magee,

My name is Michelle Scott. I am the Patient Client Experience lead for the trust and my role is all about listening to patient/ service user/ client experience. Feedback information can really helps us shape our services. Thank you for taking the time to share your traumatic experience and I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your baby. My sincere condolences to you and your family at this time

A big part of my job is to ensure all stories receive a response and I am delighted colleagues have come back so quickly to reach out hoping to speak with you so that we can learn more about your experience, look into things if you would like and offer answers if they can as well as learning opportunities. Can I encourage you to contact Leanne through the main Altnagelvin number 02871345171 and staff can transfer you through, or alternatively please contact me in confidence on Ext 214486 (02871345171) Mobile: 07833402847.

warm regards

Michelle Scott

Patient Client Experience Lead

Ext 214486 (02871345171)

Mobile: 07833402847

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Response from Lead Nurse for Gynaecology Services WHSCT, Women and Children Service Altnagelvin, Western Health & Social Care Trust 9 months ago
Western Health & Social Care Trust

Submitted on 15/09/2024 at 15:22
Published on Care Opinion at 15:22

Dear Magee,

Thank you for taking the time to meet with me personally and discussing such an emotional journey. I hope that you gained some comfort and closure by being able to share this with me directly.

I have shared your experience, as agreed, with the external teams involved in your care I hope to be able to provide you with some feedback.

I have also passed on your thanks to the team members you identified within the gynaecology ward.

Again thank you for taking the time to meet with me and I look forward to be able to provide you with an update.

Leanne

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