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"Early pregnancy clinic, Ulster hospital"

About: The Ulster Hospital / Early Pregnancy Clinic The Ulster Hospital / Emergency Department

(as a service user),

I unfortunately suffered a miscarriage 2 months ago. I was only 7/8 weeks and it was extremely difficult to get seen by anyone! I contacted the early pregnancy clinic in the ulster who said to go to a&e. I attended a&e, and waited 6 hours to be seen, where I was told they could do nothing and to contact the early pregnancy clinic. It was after midnight at this stage so I waited until the morning and contacted early pregnancy clinic again, who said they could do nothing and if the bleeding was still heavy to go to a&e. I explained I had been in a&e the previous evening and they told me that early pregnancy would need to see me. 

I was finally seen by early pregnancy clinic 3 days after I started bleeding, they scanned me and confirmed the miscarriage, this could have been a lot easier for me to manage had I been scanned the day my bleeding started. 

They caused me and my partner unnecessary pain and turmoil for 3 days when I could have been told sooner Instead of sitting with the false hope that there was a chance my pregnancy was still viable.

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Responses

Response from Jennifer Nicholson, Lead Nurse - Emergency Care, Emergency Medicine - A&E, South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust last month
Jennifer Nicholson
Lead Nurse - Emergency Care, Emergency Medicine - A&E,
South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust
Submitted on 19/08/2025 at 16:36
Published on Care Opinion at 16:36


Hi Shockerboy

Thank you for taking the time to tell us your story. It is a very disappointing read and such a difficult time and experience for you. I will share your story with our Clinical Lead to discuss at our interface meetings and look for learning and opportunities to improve the experience for patients who present with a similar experience.

I do hope you have the support you need and are keeping ok. I sincerely apologise for the distress this has caused you and will do what I can to work towards improving the service.

Kind Regards

Jenny

Lead Nurse Emergency Care

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Response from Louisa McKibbin, Sister - Gynaecology Outpatient Services, Woman & Acute Child Health - Gynaecology, South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust last month
Louisa McKibbin
Sister - Gynaecology Outpatient Services, Woman & Acute Child Health - Gynaecology,
South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust
Submitted on 19/08/2025 at 16:37
Published on Care Opinion at 16:37


Dear Shockerboy,

I am saddened to hear of your pregnancy loss. This is a difficult time for both you and your partner.

The early pregnancy clinic tries to see as many women as possible in a timely manner. Sometimes however it is necessary for us to send patients to ED. I understand your frustration with the system and we strive for better.

If you can contact me on louisa.mckibbin@setrust.hscni.net I will look into this for you to see why this happened.

Best wishes,

Louisa

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