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"Lack of empathy and poor patient manner"

About: Aberdeen Maternity Hospital / Obstetrics (Maternity care)

(as a service user),

I had a positive pregnancy test at around 4 weeks pregnant (suspected - clear blue digital 1-2 weeks from conception) followed by a negative a few days later. Called my gp to advise and he suggested bloods done 48 hrs apart, but holiday would not allow, therefore one was done with low levels (under 2) recorded. NHS guidance shows levels can be at 0 at 4 weeks, so this does not rule out pregnancy, as hcg can take time to reach a detectable level. 

Whilst on holiday I had a light bleed, and was unsure if this was a miscarriage or implantation bleeding as no pain occurred. On return from holiday I was due to meet with a consultant regarding medication I was on at time of conception, but I was unsure if I was still pregnant or if I had miscarried. I called the advice line ahead of my app to ask if I should still attend and advised I’d had some light bleeding. They advised repeating bloods to check the levels of hcg but would unlikely be available on time for the appointment.

The midwife who took my blood was lovely, and no complaints regarding her whatsoever. The person who called with the results, however, spoke to me in what I felt was a patronising and disgusting manner. They advised I was not pregnant, I never was pregnant, bloods don’t lie, it was a faulty test or a false negative and the bleeding was unrelated, there was nothing to pass, cos I was not pregnant, just like I wasn't then. They repeated the phrase "my love" about 20 times over the call, and showed no empathy whatsoever, and spoke to me like I was stupid or crazy for suspecting. I can’t see how they can know for certain that no loss had occurred after the test was taken but before bloods, or that the bleed I had was unrelated to the positive test. I feel this is, 1. a claim that is outwith their knowledge to know for certain and 2. very very unprofessional. I have experienced an early pregnancy loss in the past, and was equally disgusted at the level of care and empathy offered then. I was completely distraught, and it appears nothing has changed.

 I’m really really disappointed, after the first midwife, who took the bloods was so lovely and asked if I was ok, and discussed my concerns, the person who called has completely changed my experience. 
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Responses

Response from Sarah Campbell, Midwifery Manager, Aberdeen Maternity Hospital, NHS Grampian last week
We are preparing to make a change
Sarah Campbell
Midwifery Manager, Aberdeen Maternity Hospital,
NHS Grampian
Submitted on 08/05/2024 at 21:57
Published on Care Opinion on 09/05/2024 at 08:08


Hello NHSGMD, thank you for providing feedback regarding your previous, and more recent experience with Rubislaw ward. This has been passed on to the senior midwife and nurse for the ward who will share this with all Rubislaw staff. Guideline improvement and training is ongoing within the early pregnancy service and I apologise that this is the experience you had. If you wish for your care to be looked into you can submit a feedback or complaints form through NHS Grampian feedback service and I can look into this further for you.

I am sorry for your loss and apologise again for the care your experienced.

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