Mrs S was expecting her first child, whose due date was given as 26 December 2015.   Her pregnancy progressed well and at her 40-week antenatal check-up, she was booked in for an induction of labour on 31 December 2015 should she not go into spontaneous labour.  She was admitted as planned.  After the induction, her labour was slow to progress and painful, she was given drugs, including morphine and a drip containing Oxytocin – a drug that helps to stimulate contractions.  For pain relief, she opted for an epidural, which eased the pain.  She dilated to 9cms but failed to progress further. Her midwife turned up the drip to administer more Oxytocin and the contractions were more regular.  A doctor arrived later to review her when it was noted she had not progressed beyond 9cms dilation and the Oxytocin infusion was noted. Her instruction to the midwife was to stop the drip immediately as the incorrect infusion rate was noted.  Mrs S was asked to push, but the epidural had reduced the ability to feel when pushing.   The doctor then delivered a baby boy using forceps.  Mrs S suffered a serious postpartum haemorrhage and required a blood transfusion.  She passed out due to shock.

When she came round, she was told her baby had suffered shoulder dystocia, but she didn’t know what that was.  The doctor explained that the baby’s shoulders were stuck on delivery.  Mrs S was extremely upset by the whole ordeal and felt unable to hold her baby and bond with him.  This feeling continued and she had numerous nightmares of the traumatic delivery.  Her GP diagnosed her with postnatal depression.  She was later diagnosed as suffering from anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Mrs S received a letter from Chesterfield Royal Hospital apologising for giving her the wrong dose of Oxytocin over a period of time and said it would carry out a full investigation.  Although the trust admitted giving the incorrect dose of Oxytocin, it denied that it caused the significant postpartum haemarrhoge that she suffered. Feeling that she had received extremely poor care at the hospital, Mrs S contacted Graysons to see if there was anything she could do to gain redress.  Carol took up the case.

As a former midwife herself, Carol was in an ideal position to understand the matter fully and take it up with the hospital.  She claimed that had the Oxytocin not been administered in such a high dose – which was 32ml/hour: double the recommended dose of 16ml/hour – Mrs S would not have suffered the postpartum haemorrhage; would not have had to have blood transfusions and would not have suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder.

Expert evidence was obtained and exchanged, but the hospital continued to deny the claim.  Both parties entered into negotiations and the hospital made various low offers.  However, due to Carol’s experience, tactics and sensible approach to the matter, she was able to negotiate and agree a settlement of £23,000, bringing the matter to a successful conclusion.

The client was extremely satisfied commenting:

“Very satisfied. Very helpful and keeps you up to date every step of the way. Nothing is too much trouble. Will help you in any way. Very polite, understanding and helpful”.

If you feel that you have received poor obstetrics care or have suffered due to negligent treatment from a hospital or any medical practitioner and want to know if you can make a claim for medical negligence compensation, contact our experts now.  We will assess your case free of charge and advise on the potential of success. You can also find out more on our web pages.

Author: Carol Simpson