Should we complain ?

[alexander]

About two weeks ago both myself and my wife lost our 20 week old baby.

 

There was no amniotic flluid around the baby and were told there was a less than 5% chance of a succesful outcome.

 

As a result we were left with little option but to go ahead with a termination.

 

My wife and i arrived at the hospital early on Saturday morning and were told what to expect and that morphine would be available on request, which my wife welcomed.

 

The ward that is usually used was closed for refurbishment and we were elsewhere in the hospital.

 

A Doctor inserted tablets to bring on contractions. A couple of hours later she was having very serious contractions that lasted about two - three hours. Only nurses were on call, no midwife and we had not seen a doctor since she had the tablets.

 

She asked for morphine but was given only gas and air. When i asked for the anaesthetist the nurses said a pethidine injection would be more suitable.

 

By the late afternoon my wife was not having any more heavy contractions but was just extremely uncomfortable and bleeding heavily. Unfortunately there was a change of shift and the nurses were not great at keeping her comfortable.

 

I stayed in the room with her that night and nobody came into the room all through the night to check on her.

 

In the morning i asked when the doctor would be around and was told he was doing his rounds and should be with her about 8.00am.

 

The doctor eventually turned up around lunch time to examine her and from his reaction it would appear the baby had almost been delivered. He then asked her to start pushing etc.

 

I am sure that the baby had been in this position since the heavy contractions had gone the previos day which is why she had been so uncomfortable and i can't understand why a doctor or midwife had not looked at her sooner and was not with her at the time.

 

Unfortunately the baby was delivered in a commode while she was in the loo and the commode taken away.

 

My wife was never checked over after the delivery and the doctor said there was no need for her to be looked at.

 

Baby was blessed and we agreed that the hospital would arrange the funeral arrangements.

 

Nearly two weeks later and although i have been chasing no arrangements have been made and am just being told "we will be in touch".

 

Nobody has contacted us about counciling etc and my biggest concern is that my wife has still not been looked at.

 

I am not one to complain but do feel very let down but am not sure if this warrants complaint.

 

Any feedback would be much appreciated.

[rebel11]

I sorry to hear about your loss,

 

Hospital complaints

 

I think talking to PALS might be the best thing to do.

[alexander]

It's been nearly three weeks and the NHS chaplain has still not been in touch with regards to funeral arrangements. I have been chasing and just get told they will be in touch. Starting to think there is a problem.