Please listen to Woman's Hour, Merope Mills' experience with Medical profession

[LoveMyPiano]

Sorry to put this in AIBU (but then maybe I am....)

I just hope more people listen to this "story" of what she and her daughter went through. I had already read about in on The Guardian, but to hear her interview with Emma Barnett was another thing altogether.

I don't recall listening to anything more powerful and it needs to be listened to by all parents.
What a lovely child she must have been and I was truly shocked that the illness after the accident lasted so long with no meaningful interventions. Emma Barnett is very talented and utterly respectful

Sobbed my eyes out listening to this, it’s absolutely heartbreaking. It must have taken such courage and strength to share that.

I haven't listened yet, but did read her article last month which was absolutely heartbreaking

www.google.com/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2022/sep/03/13-year-old-daughter-dead-in-five-weeks-hospital-mistakes

Yes, I don't cry at much these days - but to hear her heart breaking as she so eloquently told what happened, I shed tears as well. So brave, and gently and respectfully handled by Emma.

Unfortunately, hearing that they wanted to "manage her anxiety" does not surprise me. But my God, how the Hell could it be allowed to happen?

I read about this - just heartbreaking

That poor poor lovely girl and her family

Thanks for the rec, know nothing about this but will listen

Can anyone please send a link to the recording? The guardian article really shook me to the core when I read it

www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m001cpww

Thank you!

It's heartbreaking. I hope the doctors at the hospital learn some lessons from this.

I don’t think I could listen to this as I read the Guardian article on a lunch break at work and had to leave my desk not to sob.

As an ex medic stories like this physically hurt me. The whole medical model and training of doctors and now with the increasing pressures on doctors results in uncaring and negligent doctors.

I heard this LoveMyPiano and agree that everyone should listen as it is not just an account of what happened but also a warning and a lesson.

Listen to your instincts. Google is your friend, and maybe even be aware that your husband, if you have one, might be more listened to than you.

Woman’s Hour asked for people to be in touch with any similar experiences.

I listened and read the article... haven't stopped thinking about it since, such a sad story

Do you think it actually is the training model (being made to believe they are God-like...) - or it is also the character and nature of the individual medical professional? (e.g. certain "types" attracted to the role etc.)

It seems to fly in the face of what caring for and treating people is all about - and most especially taking great regard of the worried parents, relatives and carers.

I hadn't heard about this before and it's heartbreaking. The poor family. 😢

@LoveMyPiano

In my experience I think both of the reasons you state are true. Many of the things I witnessed and experienced was anything but caring and was centred around power and status. There were also too many incidents which could have warranted legal involvement. One of many regrets is that I didn't stand up to the perpetrators/doctors more.

It has left me very distrusting of doctors.

Than you for your answer; it must have been awful to experience, and look back on. You mustn't reproach yourself now, but we can all hope for change - and that patients can have their fears recognised rather than handwaved away.
[My daughter is a palliative care nurse, so the outcome is already known, but the journey there can be made comfortable and dignified.]

A case such as this, which is high profile, might shine a light on others.

I'm not sure if BBC/Woman's Hour does transcripts. But the Guardian article linked above is another telling of their story. Listening to her though, is much harder.

I read a story about this in the guardian today https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/aug/27/can-i-forgive-myself-for-my-daughters-death which linked back to Melrope's article in the guardian from 2022. https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2022/sep/03/13-year-old-daughter-dead-in-five-weeks-hospital-mistakes

I cannot believe one of the Dr's was promoted the week after. How could this possibly be justified?

The arrogance of it is just sickening. This poor family.

It’s so awfully sad @Checkcheck12

Martha’s story is heartbreaking. I’m glad her parents have exposed this scandal in the media. I cried when I read her mother’s article at the time of publication. They are not to blame for Martha’s death; it was the hospital staff who failed her.