"Never returning to Harlow EPU again"

8 weeks ago I found out I was pregnant and self referred myself to my nearest hospital. A week later I was contacted and made an appointment for my 12 week scan and was told I would be contacted for my 8-10week bloods.

Approaching week 6 I contacted the EPU as I hadn't heard about my bloods to be told to contact a week later. A week later (week 7) I was told wait longer which was frustrating. 

Unfortunately I experienced symptoms of a miscarriage a few days later . Not knowing what to do I turned to the Internet and the general advice was to attended Aand E. I was turned away and told to take painkillers for my pain and keep an eye on my bleeding. I was given a number to call for an  EPU appointment which was made a few days later. 

On the day of the scan I was told I had a miscarriage and told to wait for the Dr. I waited 2.5 hours to see the Dr but had clearly been missed off the system as other patients after me had been and gone. To wait by yourself alone (due to covid) was torture. I was then told by the  nurse that I wouldn't be seeing the Dr (assuming this was due to being seen so late) and was given information on miscarriage. 

The day after my scan appointment to confirm my miscarriage I was called by the midwife to arrange my bloods which I had been calling weeks before to book in to which I had to heart wrenchingly say I had miscarried. 

Before and during my miscarriage I have been experiencing pain on my right side which is constant and changes in severity when changing positions /walking /taking a deep breath. I called the EPU 1 week after my miscarriage and the midwife made me an appointment to see the Dr the same day. This brought a sigh of relief as it meant I could have my pain investigated and see the Dr to which I should have seen the week before. 

 15 minutes later I was called by the Dr to cancel my appointment due to covid and told that they were cutting down appointments which were not necessary. I was told to contact in 3 weeks if the pain continued. I went on to explain the pain was present weeks prior to the miscarriage to which was dismissed.  I felt the Dr was insensitive and made me feel 'stupid' for even contacting the clinic. I am aware of the global pandemic but feel like the level of care and empathy has been substandard throughout. 

Being in the medical field I am aware that empathy and understanding is needed, especially during emotional times of miscarriage. Due to my experience, If and when I become pregnant again I will be avoiding Harlow.