Care Opinion

I felt very pressured and scared

Posted By Shrewsbury

"I felt very pressured and scared"

About: Sexual Health Services - Shropshire (Open Clinic)

(as a service user),

Just thought I would put out an email to describe my care recently. I was quite upset and let down.

I attended Severn Fields for a coil fitting, for contraception and reduce monthly period loss, as my GP surgery unfortunately cannot provide this service.

I attended with my 3 month old baby daughter as she is breastfed and very much reliant on mum. I went for a walk before my appointment with my daughter in a sling and she went to sleep. Just before my appointment, a nurse and ex midwife assured me that she would help me out and settle my daughter should she wake during my procedure.

The doctor took some details then asked me for a contact number as they mentioned the procedure could be risky and they needed the number for someone who could look after my child should I need to be rushed into hospital. Extreme, but fair enough. I gave them my partner's number who was on a course at the time. The doctor then demanded that I ring him to ensure that he answered. The doctor and I were in the room alone at the time, with my daughter still asleep in the sling.

I couldn't understand the reason behind ringing him unnecessarily when he is on a course and I felt very pressured and scared. I asked if I could give them my sister's number and ring her, but she was an hour away and I was told that was too far.

As a result, and feeling intimidated, I left the practice not having the procedure done. I am too unsettled to attend the clinic for a coil fitting.

Can this perhaps be looked into? Being a nurse I understand that some procedures do have minor risks and I had no problem planning for my daughter's care, should I need to seek medical help. However, I feel I should not have been bullied into contacting my partner and being refused care unless I did this.

Hopefully, this doesn't happen to future patients.

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Responses

Response from Amanda Edwards, Clinical and Operational Nurse Lead, Shropshire Sexual Health Service, MPFT 3 weeks ago
Amanda Edwards
Clinical and Operational Nurse Lead, Shropshire Sexual Health Service,
MPFT

Submitted on 11/11/2024 at 17:07
Published on Care Opinion at 17:07

Thank you for sharing your recent experience at Severn Fields. I am truly sorry to hear about the distress you felt during your appointment for a coil fitting.

Firstly, I want to apologise for any discomfort and pressure you experienced. It is our priority to ensure that all patients feel safe, supported, and respected while receiving care at our clinic. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us improve our services and patient care.

I understand that the request to contact your partner during his course was inconvenient and added stress to your appointment. Our primary concern is always patient safety, especially during procedures that carry risks such as vasovagal reactions, which can cause fainting or other complications. In such cases, having a reliable contact who can quickly assist with your baby is crucial to ensure both your safety and your child’s well-being.

The clinician’s request was made with the intention of ensuring that, in the unlikely event of an emergency, there would be someone immediately available to care for your baby. This precaution is necessary to provide the safest possible environment for both you and your child during the procedure.

I apologise for any intimidation you felt and for the impact this had on your decision to leave without any contraception cover.

I would like to invite you to reschedule your appointment. We will ensure that you receive the support and care you need, and I will oversee your visit to address any concerns you may have.

Please feel free to contact me directly at Amanda.mammone@mpft.nhs.uk to discuss this further or to arrange a new appointment.

Thank you again for bringing this to our attention. We value your feedback and are committed to making the necessary improvements to provide the best possible care for our patients.

Kind regards,

Amanda Mammone
Clinical and Operational Lead Nurse
Severn Fields Clinic

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