Leeds Hospital: Parents 'Were Treated Like Meat'

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 07 April 2013 | 00.57

By Frazer Maude, Sky News reporter

When pregnant Emma Ethelstone was told during a routine scan in Sheffield that her daughter had a serious heart defect, her world fell apart.

"I was screaming and crying," she says. "I couldn't even speak. We'd tried for four years to have a child, and eventually I got pregnant through IVF.

"So to be to told that Imogen-Rose had problems was just the worst news any parent could have."

Emma was referred to the Leeds General Infirmary. She and her partner John Sauve say they expected sympathy, empathy and positivity from the hospital. They say they got none.

"We were treated like pieces of meat," says John. "They wouldn't even refer to Imogen-Rose by name. They always called her 'the foetus'. It was cold an clinical."

The couple say staff at the LGI were "very negative" about the possible outcomes if they went ahead with the pregnancy. They were also told not to go online for advice as they would only get false hopes.

They weren't advised to terminate the pregnancy, but say they felt that they were being steered towards that decision.

So the couple decided to look online for a third opinion, and found themselves going to the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle for tests.

"Things couldn't have been more different," says Emma. "We were greeted with hugs and handshakes, and treated with real warmth and empathy."

Imogen-Rose was born at Newcastle's Royal Victoria infirmary last month, and just days later was operated on by surgeons at the Freeman. She's now back at home in Sheffield.

A spokesman for the LGI told Sky News: "We would never counsel a patient to terminate a pregnancy.

"We cannot comment on individual cases, but if any family have concerns about their treatment, we would urge them to contact us to discuss those issues."

Life won't ever be normal for Imogen-Rose, she faces a number of operations, and in all probability a heart transplant later in life. None of her treatment though will be in Leeds.

"I know people have different views about the LGI," says Emma. "But I just don't trust them, and I wouldn't want Imogen-Rose to be treated by anyone in Leeds"

Operations at the LGI were suspended last week because of claims the children's cardiac unit had a death rate double the average.

But medical bodies and doctors have questioned the accuracy of the data, which they say was unverified and not fit to base the decision on.

This weekend five health agencies will work together with a view to restarting surgery as soon as possible - on condition concerns about patient safety can be alleviated.

In a statement, Leeds NHS Trust said: "Following a meeting to review the decision to suspend surgery at Leeds, agreement was reached to work together to restart surgery on the site early next week subject to independent assurance of concerns raised.

"The meeting involved NHS England, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, the NHS Trust Development Authority, and the Care Quality Commission.

"Over the course of the weekend all agencies will work together to provide sufficient assurance to all interested parties that this service is safe and can therefore re-open next week."

After the closure a week ago, Sir Bruce Keogh, the medical director of NHS England, said: "The trust has taken a highly responsible precautionary step.

"It is absolutely right not to take any risks while these matters are being looked into. The priority must be the safety of children."

Following the decision to work towards early opening next week, Maggie Boyle, chief executive of the Trust, said: "I am extremely confident that this service is safe and effective and should recommence at the earliest opportunity."


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