I didn’t trust Basildon Hospital with my pregnancy (From Echo)

I didn’t trust Basildon Hospital with my pregnancy

8:00am Tuesday 11th September 2012 in Local News

AN expectant mum was so upset with the treatment she received at Basildon Hospital she had her baby at Southend Hospital instead.

Charlene Sharp, 23, and husband Robert, 34, were concerned for their unborn baby after a scan at Basildon Hospital revealed there was excessive fluid in the womb.

With fears that their baby was also very small for her term, the couple were booked in to discuss the problems with a consultant on the same day. After a long wait they were told to go home and reasurred that there was nothing wrong with the pregnancy.

Mrs Sharp, of Thistledown Court, Basildon, suffered a miscarriage last year.

She said: “We didn’t want to re-live that horrible experience.

“I felt like Basildon Hospital really didn’t care and if I stayed there I don’t think my little girl would have made it.

She went to Southend Hospital for a second opinion. Charlene added: “The staff there explained all the complications to us clearly. That was scary, but at least we knew where we stood.”

When the couple got to Southend Hospital on August 17, they were given advice about excess amniotic fluid, known as polyhydramnios.

Mrs Sharp was put under observation, before giving birth to 6lbs 4oz Kaci on Monday, September 3.

Sue Hardy, director of nursing at Southend Hospital, said: “We are delighted Mrs Sharp was so pleased with the care she received at Southend Hospital.”

Basildon Hospital was unable to comment on the case, due to patient confidentiality.

Rachel Unsworth, spokesman for Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are always concerned if any patient is dissatisfied with the care they receive at this hospital.

“We would ask anyone who has any concerns or complaints to contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service.”