I was treated last week for an ectopic pregnancy. This was sadly my third loss, my first happened in 2009 and led me to meet with the then-Chief Executive because the experience was so awful.
However, this time was the complete opposite. From my initial scan and testing on Ward 9 (our nurse, Dorothy Moki, was completely wonderful and couldn't have been more supportive) through to surgery that evening and then the recovery and time spent on Ward 8, I felt as if I was in a different hospital.
At each stage of my treatment, me and my partner were fully-informed of what was happening and why things were being done. Small things like the surgical consent forms were explained clearly. Every nurse was kind and patient as they dealt with my constant tears with support and empathy.
When I returned to the ward after surgery (at around 11:30 at night), the nursing staff were attentive and made the effort to ask what I'd had done. This made an enormous difference to me because the staff then understood my anxiety. In the morning, I was greeted by cheerful staff (despite them having been up and down with me all night! ) who fetched hot drinks for us all.
Possibly the single most defining moment that sticks with me was this time not being tutted at by the staff who served breakfast. Previously, I had been berated for not ordering my food the night before but this time, I was told not to worry, I could have what I liked and would I like more tea?
The whole experience was heartening and went a long way to helping not only my physical recovery but also my emotional recovery.
"Supportive care for ectopic pregnancy"
About: Stafford Hospital / Gynaecology Stafford Hospital Gynaecology ST16 3SA
Posted by Imp (as ),
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