A mother from Nottinghamshire has today revealed the details of the traumatic birth she underwent last year, disgracing the maternity department of Kings Mill Hospital.
Sharon Willoughby, from Sutton in Ashfield attended Kings Mill Hospital, part of Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, to be induced with her baby, Felicity, in November 2010.
Miss Willoughby feels that from arriving at the hospital she was ignored and her concerns were disregarded. She repeatedly informed hospital staff that her pains were increasing, however, she was ignored and she was told that it was not yet time. It was clear that staff were in short supply and the few numbers of staff that were available were cold and uncaring.
Miss Willoughby went to the en suite toilet, assisted by her partner, Mr Richard Sum. Whilst in the toilet Miss Willoughby gave birth to her daughter. Despite calling for staff and pulling the emergency cord for fifteen minutes following the birth nobody came to assist her and she was forced to carry her baby, still attached to her cord, back in to the labour room before staff assisted her.
The whole experience was very traumatic and Miss Willoughby and her partner have stated that they were both very frightened. Following the birth Miss Willoughby required a blood transfusion as she lost so much blood whilst she was waiting in the en suite toilet.
Miss Willoughby has complained to the hospital regarding this unacceptable and terrifying treatment. Staff on the shift when Miss Willoughby gave birth have stated that they thought she was calling for a cup of tea and that they did not realise the urgency of the situation.
Alison Greenwood, Head of Midwifery and Gynaecological Nursing at Kings Mill Hospital has apologised for the experience Miss Willoughby and her partner have undergone. The Senior Midwife has also apologised and has stated that she is still in discussions with the family.
The hospital confirmed alarms and buzzers were working properly at the time but would not say why no-one answered the couple's calls. A new initiative of leaving fire doors open more often has been introduced, so that calls for help can be more easily heard.
Luckily, baby Felicity is doing well at home.
Patients who are afforded such poor quality treatment deserve the opportunity of justice.
At Stephensons our growing clinical negligence team deals with cases of medical negligence in all fields; including birth injury.
If you believe the treatment you have received is also below a reasonable standard then we have a dedicated team of clinical negligence solicitors who would be happy to advise you further. Call us for free initial advice on 01616 966 229.
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