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The lack of care, compassion and dignity

Posted By Josephine23

"The lack of care, compassion and dignity"

About: Maternity / Home from Home Maternity / Labour Ward The Ulster Hospital / Maternity

(as a relative),

My daughter recently had a baby boy in the ulster maternity unit. What should have been a fabulous happy time became stressful and just horrible. Communication is key and unfortunately in my opinion the midwife's lacked that. Encompass had not longed arrived and whilst I appreciate its a huge change - patient care should never be compromised for a computer system. The system changed not patient care. The vulnerability and fear in my daughters eyes was something I will never get over. As a nurse myself I would be very disappointed at any of my colleagues if that's how they cared for people. 

I would almost go to the point of saying the care was less than substandard- in my opinion it was diabolical! Sadly not only her care but also my grandsons care. What happened to listen to the patients worries, concerns and fears and act upon them? She didn't get a chance to voice any because contact with an actual practitioner was minimal. No explanation of the traumatic birth and no rationale of why things happened. To furthermore add to this it wasn't even documented correctly- from time of birth too, crucial medical information not documented meant that no other care providers after discharge knew her history or his history.

Ashamed and embarrassed to be part of the nursing profession. A complaints form was handed to my daughter by community teams and advised to take further. Ashamed and disappointed what should be the best time - has been such a rubbish and traumatic experience. 

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Responses

Response from Sarah McKevitt, Lead Midwife, Woman & Acute Child Health - Maternity, South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust 4 months ago
Sarah McKevitt
Lead Midwife, Woman & Acute Child Health - Maternity,
South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust

Submitted on 19/01/2024 at 14:50
Published on Care Opinion at 14:50

Dear Josephine23,

Thank you for taking the time to post this feedback. Firstly I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on the birth of your grandson. I am sorry to hear that your daughter had a difficult and traumatic birth and I hope she has now made a full recovery.

I am sorry to learn that the communication that your daughter received while in hospital was lacking. As you have pointed out the introduction of encompass was a huge change for staff however I am sorry that it compromised the care that your daughter and grandson received. Having a baby is a special time and the interactions that parents have with staff can have a huge impact on that experience not only for the parents but the wider family circle. I wish to apologise that opportunities were not provided for your daughter to discuss her birth and the trauma she experienced with health professionals while she was in hospital. I am also sorry to learn that errors were made in the documentation and I hope these errors have now been rectified. I will ensure that your post will be shared with the teams involved for learning purposes.

If your daughter would like to make a complaint these issues that you have brought forward will be investigated fully. Alternatively, if your daughter would like us to arrange a debrief to discuss the events and circumstances around the birth of her son with the health professionals involved we would be very happy to arrange this. If you feel this would be of benefit it can be arranged through our complaints department at complaint@setrust.hscni.net or 02890561427.

Once again I wish to apologise for your daughters experience. I would like to wish you all the best for the future and will do everything possible to prevent a repeat of this situation.

Kind Regards

Sarah McKevitt

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