I had my dead baby by myself at hospital

Dear pastor,

I recently lost my seven-and-a-half month old baby at the Victoria Jubilee Hospital. I went to the hospital and was escorted to the labour ward about 9 a.m. on December 15, 2015 in labour pain. I was not seen by the head nurse, known as Sister, until 1 p.m. She said she did not hear a heartbeat. I was referred to one of the two doctors on duty for a ultrasound. The baby was dead inside me. I sat in grief and labour pain for one and a half hours before I got a bed at 2:30 p.m. I had to use my own sheet because they had no bed linen for the patients.

NO PAIN RELIEF

The doctor had recommended that I get an injection to ease my pain. The nurse did not give me the injection. I was a high-risk patient who was scheduled for a C-section in January 2016. The person who drew my blood was clueless. She improperly injected my vein which resulted in it being swollen and she had to stick my other arm. I asked for the painkillers that the doctor had ordered but still did not get it. I felt the baby coming and I cried for help. The only nurse I saw passing told me 'It is not ready yet'. She did not stop to look at my condition. I delivered the child by myself. I did not see a nurse until I saw my dead baby and I screamed out.

I did not get the painkillers. I was told there was a change of shift and it was overlooked. In my opinion the nurses are very lazy. They do not have any empathy for the mothers as well. They do not treat the ladies well and if the baby's head was not dropping out of you, you do not get a bed or proper care. Two doctors are not enough for the labour ward. A number of women have lost their babies because of negligence, not enough beds, and no midwife. The sister on duty was hard-working, doing the doctors and nurses jobs. The janitors and orderlies are very efficient: however I only saw two nurses from I was at the ward from 9 a.m to 3:30 p.m. One trainee nurse was helping sister to check in patients and examining the mothers in labour. I had a terrible and painful experience at the labour ward. One lady had her baby in the bathroom. I am still traumatised. The bad experience feels worst than losing the baby. The system has to be improved. The ward is too small and they need midwives, as well as nurses to assist.

S.H.

Dear S.H.,

I am sorry to hear about your unfortunate experience at the Victoria Jubilee Hospital. Most reports that I have heard from patients who went to this hospital to have their babies, speak highly of the nurses and doctors. They congratulate them for their efficiency. They say the service is good and can be equalled with other hospitals. Therefore, your experience should have been, not only documented but reported to the Ministry of Health. I am also very sorry to hear that your baby was born dead. I assure you of my prayers. Do not condemn this hospital because you were displeased with the service you received there. The doctors and nurses at times work under great pressure. I am sure that you would appreciate that, and that you do not mean to condemn the institution on a whole.

Pastor