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No accountability, no care

Posted By watertc38

"No accountability, no care"

About: St Bartholomew's Hospital / Gynaecology

(as the patient),

I’ve been under the care of Barts Fertility for almost two years. It took over 20 months just to get to the point of treatment. Finally, I was prescribed a medication for ovarian stimulation. My body responded both times — follicles grew well — and yet both cycles were abruptly cancelled.

There were no medical complications, no warning signs — just doctors who seemed unsure, overly cautious, and ultimately unwilling to take responsibility for decisions.

In the second cycle, when follicles were growing and ovulation was approaching, they simply told me: Maybe stimulation isn’t right for you. After I had already completed the medication.

They even suggested I move to another clinic. After two years.

I have a complex medical history, yes, but I am stable, cleared, and determined. What I needed was a team confident enough to work with me, not give up when things started progressing.

I feel let down, dismissed, and deeply disappointed. This clinic is seemingly not equipped to handle patients with even slightly more complex needs. And the emotional toll of being cancelled at the last moment — twice — is something I wouldn't wish on anyone.

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Responses

Response from Barts Health NHS Trust 3 months ago
Barts Health NHS Trust

Submitted on 06/08/2025 at 09:30
Published on Care Opinion at 09:30

Dear watertc38

Thank you for taking the time to share feedback about your experience at St Bartholomew's Hospital. We are sorry and disappointed that your experience has fallen short of the standard we aspire to at Barts Health NHS Trust.

We will ensure that your comments are shared with the Department, as it is important that they are made aware of concerns raised about their service and the impact caused when they fail to provide appropriate and timely care.

May we suggest that you liaise with the Site PALS Team who will be happy to provide you with further support and guidance? They can be contacted by email at sbhpals.bartshealth@nhs.net or via Tel. No. 020 3465 5919.

Kind regards
Group Central Complaints Team
Barts Health NHS Trust

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful

Update posted by watertc38 (the patient)

Thank you for your reply. I would like to highlight a few important points. After my appointment in late August, the doctor promised to call me within 3 days but never did. During that consultation he insisted on IVF, even though I explained several times that I cannot and will not go for it due to financial and personal reasons.

I also asked whether embryos are genetically tested, and was told no. This raises serious concerns, since embryos can still split, leading to multiple pregnancies and potential health risks.

Before my two previous stimulations, no folliculometry was performed, which I consider remiss. When I asked about treating my hormonal issues, I was refused.

What I need from the clinic is thorough investigation of my fertility health and genuine support in helping me conceive — not only pressure towards IVF.

Response from BHNT Central Complaints Team, Senior Complaints Officer, Barts Health NHS Trust 2 months ago
BHNT Central Complaints Team
Senior Complaints Officer,
Barts Health NHS Trust

Submitted on 09/09/2025 at 11:19
Published on Care Opinion at 11:19

Dear watertc38

Thank you for your further comments. We are unable to discuss or use any patient identifiable information on this platform and cannot go into any detail about an individual's care. Again, we would suggest that you liaise with the Site PALS Team who will be happy to support you with your request for a thorough review. They can be contacted by email at sbhpals.bartshealth@nhs.net or via Tel. No. 020 3465 5919.

Kind regards
Group Central Complaints Team
Barts Health NHS Trust

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
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