"Amazing care - ectopic pregnancy"

Yesterday, I had an early pregnancy scan at the Rubislaw Ward in the maternity hospital and was unfortunately diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy. The pregnancy measured at a size which was deemed to be dangerous and required urgent surgical removal. The staff at the Rubislaw Ward were fantastic, so kind and compassionate in how they delivered this news to myself and my husband. They made us aware of everything we needed to know and expect and gave us as much reassurance as they could in the circumstances. I would particularly like to thank the doctor who carried out my scan and went over the consent paperwork with me, as she was truly amazing given the circumstances. 

They called me an ambulance to take me over to ARI to the Gynaecology Ward where I was admitted very quickly and promptly seen by the surgeon who would carry out the procedure. She explained to me what she planned to do, which was to perform keyhole surgery and remove the ectopic pregnancy and affected Fallopian tube. She took the time to show me the scans taken and she showed me the pregnancy images, explaining that a heartbeat had been detected. She also explained that there were other procedures she may need to carry out should the findings not be exactly as seen on the scans, but that as the images were very clear, she was hopeful that it would be straightforward. 

I was then visited by the anaesthetist who went through all relevant details and ascertained when I had last eaten or had anything to drink, informing me that they would take me to surgery at the earliest opportunity as soon as the right amount of time had passed after my last drink. 

I was later taken to surgery, and all of the staff I encountered on the way between the ward staff, the porter, and all of the staff in the surgery were fantastic. Everyone was very friendly and reassuring. I couldn’t fault one person. 

The next thing I knew, I woke up in recovery with yet another friendly face, who made sure my pain was under control and my observations were ok before releasing me back to the ward. 

The rest of the evening went smoothly, I was attended to very well by the staff on wards 208/209, who made sure I had something to eat and plenty of water, and anything else I needed. The surgeon came to see me very soon after I was back on the ward to explain that the procedure was very straightforward and successful. She explained any side effects I could expect and gave me advice on recovery. She also advised that as everything went very well there is no requirement for me to attend any follow up unless I have any questions or concerns. She advised that she would be happy for me to go home later that evening if my observations were ok and if I felt well enough, but the staff did also advise that I could stay if I preferred or didn’t feel ready to go. 

I was attended to a few more times on the ward to check obs, and to be given an anti-D injection which I required due to having a negative blood type. I was then seen by a very pleasant junior doctor who checked me over and confirmed he would be happy for me to go home. The nurses on the ward made sure I had everything I needed before being discharged, including information on what to expect and also a leaflet with advice on ectopic pregnancy recovery to make sure my husband and I knew what to do should we require any support. 

My husband and I currently still very overwhelmed with everything that happened yesterday, but we wanted to emphasise how truly grateful we are for the NHS and all that they do. I have no criticism of anything I experienced yesterday, and was met with kindness and compassion by every single member of staff I met. I am truly grateful for the care I received, and would again like to particularly thank the staff in ward 208/209 who were all absolutely amazing.