Bo's death. An update

[bubble99]

Well, we finally got a letter today from the hospital responding to our questions in writing. I'd left it for a while before chasing them. I 'phoned the Patient's Liaison bod yesterday morning and seven hours later got a real 'Cheques in the post. Oh! you haven't received it yet?' Response.

I won't go into long drawn-out details here. Those of you who may have followed the story know what happened. After the enquiry meeting I came away feeling like crap but also positive that a bleep-holding supernumerary MW would be reinstated to ensure that such a fatal fk up would not happen again. The letter we got today said that the hospital is 'reviewing reinstating a bleep-holder' Not the same thing and I'm sure they're hoping they never hear from us again. Call me cynical but I believe they have no intention of reinstating this vital role, costs a bit and heck! Let's use the money for yet another meaningless layer of middle-management

I've discussed it with Mr Bubble and I'm contacting Susan Kramer who is our local MP tomorrow to make a big, stinky noise about this.

Tears again today, I expected it but it still feels like a knifewound.

Bubble - have you contected the Observer? They are running a better Birth campaign at the moment - they might be interested in your story. They have had double page spreads on this issue the last two sundays - the health editor is Jo Revill.

Bubble - have you contected the Observer? They are running a better Birth campaign at the moment - they might be interested in your story. They have had double page spreads on this issue the last two sundays - the health editor is Jo Revill.

Bubble you must feel so frustrated! And having to look after your other babies on top of everything! You are being treated abysmally.

So sorry Bubble. I feel so angry and sad for you.

I told my mum about your story. She has been in Nursing all her life, in all sorts of roles and departments. One of which was Midwifery.
She was totally stunned when I told her about the bleeper. Her response was that she was under the impresion that on a labour ward, they were compulsary. Obviously not.

I really hope that your MP listens to you and takes some action.
Good luck

[off-topic for Issymum]
Jenny Tonge's adult daughter, a young mum of two, was electrocuted by a poorly installed utensil rack in her kitchen (builders put a fixing screw into a live wire).
She died in front of her children. Really appalling accident.

unfortunately marina, it was actually her husband (poor thing) who put up the rack. The builders hadn't installed an electrical cable properly - it wasn't deep enough in the wall or insulated properly and when he put the rack up (years ago) thinking it would be away from the cable, the screw went right through it. Sadly, she was unpacking the dishwasher and put a spoon on the rack - her foot was touching a metal part of the dishwasher and it made a circuit and she was electrocuted.

Just awful - such a terrible accident.

Bubble - if I was you I would contact Susan Kramer but certainly cc any contact to Jenny because she was so active on women's health issues and although she is no longer an MP, she's still around and I imagine a very effective campaigner.

Sorry to hear this bubble, how totally inadequate.

[thanks foxinsocks, I think that exact sequence of events must make it even worse for the family]

If Jenny is around I could not agree more she would be a good person to involve in any campaign, bubble. Foxinsocks may know for sure but I thought Jenny was a doctor?

Bubble

Hope you can find the strength to continue your fight and that you are enjoying precious Elijah.

This is shattering, Bubble. I'm totally disgusted that the Trust seems to think they can fob you off over this. Make a noise, make it as LOUD, STINKY & PUBLIC as possible. You deserve answers and the courage and fight you hold in your heart astounds me. Keep going, we're right behind you. xxx

yes she was (as issymum says). Here's her contact details although susan kramer will probably have better ones (ed davey is the mp for kingston and he is also liberal democrat so hopefully they can group together - he must hear other stories about the hospital). contact Jenny Tonge

I think Jenny Tonge is now being made a Baroness so she will still have lots of influence in the Lords - probably worth getting in touch with her anyway Bubble? She's a great campaigner.

Bubble I'm sorry they are fobbing you off. I can only echo everyone when I say Keep fighting and make as much noise as you can. If you need help with anything then I would always try.

I'm so sorry Bubble.

You keep fighting - I hope your local MP proves supportive

Bubble, have you talked to anyone midwives working in a hospital still with a bleep-holder?

Bubble - I think it's a really good idea to write to the MP, also have you written to the Chair of the hospital - they can vary, but a good one can really make a difference and put a lot of pressure/influence on a hospital. Same with all members of the Trust Board - particularly the non-exec directors - a copy of all letters should maybe go to them aswell. This way it's bound to come up at the next Board meeting.

Have you also contacted the SHA Kingston Hospital's a part of (sorry, don't know which one that is, but I can find out if you want). The SHA can also bring pressure on a Trust to improve its services.

Sorry, you've probably already thought about and done all of the above. Good luck.

Bubble, I'm sorry they have come back with such a poor response. Writing to the GP sounds a very good idea, the newspapers... I am not so sure... they will certainly have a lot of impact but it may also become more painful for your family at least for some time. Thinking of you.

I'm sorry their response is just so inadequate [angry} . MP sounds like a good next step. Your stamina amazes me and I hope you find some solace in pursuing it.