Overview
The complainant (Mrs C) raised a number of concerns with Lothian NHS Board (the Board) about the care and treatment she received during her pregnancy, in particular, from her community midwife (the Midwife). Mrs C also raised concerns that medical staff, immediately following her sons birth (Baby A) on 16 May 2011 when she had a haemorrhage, refused to allow her husband (Mr C) to push her bed to the theatre.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that:
- (a) the Midwife failed to deal with Mrs Cs request for a caesarean section properly (upheld);
- (b) the Midwife unreasonably refused Mrs C antenatal appointments (not upheld);
- (c) the Midwife misled Mrs C about when she would be induced (not upheld); and
- (d) the Board unreasonably refused to allow Mr C to push Mrs Cs bed to theatre (not upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Board:
- (i) ensure that the comments of the Adviser in relation to complaint (a) are shared with community midwives, in particular, that where there is any deviation from a normal uncomplicated pregnancy, the expectant mother should be referred to an obstetrician or other medical specialist as appropriate;
- (ii) ensure that the comments of the Adviser in relation to complaint (c) are shared with community midwives, in particular, that every case of an expectant mother must be considered individually and that relevant issues of a complex history, maternal age and personal anxieties are taken in to account;
- (iii) review the process of record-keeping by community midwives in relation to patients notes. In particular, to ensure that any discussions and advice given concerning requests by an expectant mother for any intervention, induction of labour or a C section are clearly and properly documented in her medical records; and
- (iv) apologise to Mrs C for the failings identified in this report.