Can I turn up to a random hospital EPU and ask to be transfered after terrible maternity service?

[Beaniebear87]

Currently 11 weeks and spotting brown so headed to my registered hospital scan showed baby is fine but there is a small bleed and my cervix is short and slightly open. Dr was called in and both agreed I needed to be admitted for stitches otherwise would loose baby. Said they had to sign off with consultant. 10 mins later I was sent on my way home with a letter stating ‘suspected inevitable miscarriage’ and no offer of any further assistance I’m absolutely horrified can I just turn up to another EPU and ask for a second opinion and transfer to them? Any advice welcome I’m here sobbing my heart out ’

So sorry you're going through this. Some EPUs are self-referral but some need a referral from a GP (my local one is via GP only). You're definitely entitled to a second opinion so I would check the website of any other local ones and see what their referral process is

I’m so sorry to hear you’re going through this.

You are of course entitled to a second opinion and you can ring around local hospitals and see what their process is.

It may be helpful to read the RCOG guidelines about cervical sutures (the stitch they talked about). Unfortunately it does state that if there is bleeding a stitch will not change the outcome. Which is perhaps why the consultant said this and I guess you were initially seen by more junior doctors who may not have been aware of this. It should have been discussed with you properly however and this explained to you.

www.rcog.org.uk/for-the-public/browse-our-patient-information/cervical-stitch/

Thank you the spotting was from a small bleed not linked to the cervix issue which is why they said it was required I’m just so confused I have no idea if I’m gong to loose this baby or not

Sorry you’re going through this. You can ask for a second opinion. Some EPUs do allow walk ins so check what the other hospitals have for this.