"Missed Miscarriage - Women Deserve Better!"

We wish to express our disappointment with the care and treatment we received during our 12-week scan appointment at the maternity department. As this was our first pregnancy, we arrived at the hospital feeling nervous and overwhelmed. Unfortunately, the experience only heightened our anxieties and left us feeling unsupported and deeply let down at a time when we needed compassion and professionalism the most.

Upon arrival, we were unfamiliar with the check-in process and did not initially see the self-check-in portal. Despite standing near the reception area visibly uncertain, the receptionist and the midwife, who would later carry out the scan, did not acknowledge us and instead continued their conversation. This lack of initial engagement set a tone of disregard and contributed to our growing apprehension about the care we might receive.

When we were called in for the scan, the midwife's demeanour felt dismissive. As part of the pre-scan assessment, I attempted to explain that my cycles are irregular and discussed a recent private scan which suggested I was not as far along as my LMP would indicate. However, this information was seemingly disregarded. Before our scan began, we noticed another patient’s scan image appear on the screen. This, coupled with the repeated back-and-forth between the ultrasound machine and the computer, increased our concern and discomfort.

Eventually the scan got underway, I was quite heighted at this point. I knew looking at the image on the screen there was not a big difference since our private scan so became extremely anxious, I was put at ease as the midwife pointed out baby’s bottom, legs, head and stomach area, I breathed a sigh of premature relief as she then said, ‘I should see a flicker here and I don’t’. The devastating news of a missed miscarriage was delivered without the sensitivity we would have expected; the manner in which it was communicated, and the lack of emotional support that followed, made an already traumatic moment even more difficult to process.

Following the diagnosis, we were left alone in the room while attempts were made to secure us an appointment with the Women’s Hub. What followed can only be described as chaotic and disorganised. We were told the new system was at fault, and while I explained that I also work within the Trust and understood the challenges of the new system, I felt this was brushed aside. The focus remained on the system’s shortcomings rather than our immediate needs as patients.

Later she came back with appointment details on a post it note which she read to us, only because my husband thought to record them on his phone did we retain this crucial information. At no point did we feel properly cared for or emotionally supported. The overall experience lacked empathy, professionalism, and the basic duty of care we expected during such a vulnerable and heart-breaking moment.

We hope this feedback is taken seriously. Women and their families deserve to be treated with compassion, dignity, and respect—particularly during such significant and emotionally charged experiences. It is our sincere hope that lessons can be learned from this so that no one else has to go through what we did in the same manner, we need to do better by women!