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Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Mix Up at Booking In Appointment :(

11 replies

LouMum14 · 17/10/2014 10:22

I happily went along to my booking in appointment yesterday, I went alone as this is my 2nd pregnancy and seemed to remember it not being over enthralling, just questions and bloods etc. When I arrived I was ushered through to an empty waiting room away from the main one where all the pregnant couples were waiting, after having my details checked. Once I was called through I was sat down by a very sympathetic midwife who asked me not to get upset and then proceeded to explain that I was in the Special Needs in Pregnancy Service as I was classed a vulnerable person. Shock Confused I was absolutely flabbergasted and asked why on earth that was and she went on to say the letter from the GP said I already have three children (I have one!) that I was dependent on drugs (absolutely untrue!) and that I had been sexually abused in 2004 (no, no, no!) and that because of these things I had been referred to their care.

It was quite frankly horrific. I very clearly explained that these things were wrong and the midwife thankfully believed me and immediately referred me over to mainstream care. She was incredibly apologetic and advised me to speak to my GP, I have made an appointment to demand some answers! He knows I have one child, not an addict etc!

I feel shaken still though and the whole thing keeps racing through my head, I feel emotionally distressed by the whole experience. My husband thinks it's hilarious and is cracking jokes about me getting on methadone but I don't think it is funny. It was terrifying. I had one of the worst days of sickness I've ever had yesterday, couldn't keep water down, and I know it was because of what happened. I just wanted to blurt it all out to you lot. Thanks for reading. :(

OP posts:
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tiggy2610 · 17/10/2014 10:32

ShockI'm so sorry Lou, that is horrendous! I would feel exactly the same as you!

You do right demanding some answers from your GP, obviously you were given someone else's notes so I hope that doesn't mean a woman who desperately needs extra support is going without because they gave her the wrong notes as well!

CakeFlowers

LouMum14 · 17/10/2014 10:50

Thank you Tiggy, I feel better for sharing it here already. I will mention that to the GP too, in case another mum-to-be's notes are crossed with mine! It was so odd that all my other details were correct apart from those three blazing clangers!

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BlueberryWafer · 17/10/2014 13:43

That's awful! I can't imagine how you must have felt. Definitely complain as that's terrible and should never have happened. Complaints within the NHS are dealt with seriously because they mean they are able to stop mistakes happening again. Hope you're feeling better.

redexpat · 17/10/2014 14:32

Oh blimey! Yes that would be quite a shock to the system. Definitely an administrative mix up somewhere along the line.

JennyBlueWren · 17/10/2014 14:40

wow! What a mix up! I'm not surprised you felt so upset when it was something as serious as that. I did once find the doctor had my flatmate's notes in front of him -not mine! Our names weren't even similar.

RevoltingPeasant · 17/10/2014 21:39

OP I really hope this isn't an unhelpful thing to say but I would personally request a formal letter from your GP saying none of those things are true, it was his error, and you are in no way at risk.

I say this because what's written in med notes has a way of sticking. I have had to change my address after moving about a billion times, and when a nurse once wrongly recorded something after an op, it's come up again months later.

What you don't want is, 9 months from now some HV saying "oh well according to our records you have past addiction issues and were under special care in pg" because by then it will be so long ago your GP won't admit fault and you will have an awful time proving it.

I'd get such a letter and put a copy in your mat notes, and keep one for yourself. Hope that's not paranoid!

Pico2 · 17/10/2014 21:42

I think that RevoltingPeasant has a point. I'd do that.

Somanyillustrations · 17/10/2014 21:47

I would second Peasants advice, and make a complaint via PALS.

Sounds like an awful experience, hope the rest of your pregnancy and care goes smoothly Thanks

LouMum14 · 18/10/2014 09:29

Thank you so much for the responses girls and that advice Peasants, I will do just that. I am seeing him on Wednesday so will make I am prepared with what to say. This GP also is leaving the surgery in the next week so I definitely want to make sure this is dealt with before he scarpers! Thank you for the PALS link too SoMany.

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LouMum14 · 18/10/2014 09:30

make sure*

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amy83firsttimer · 18/10/2014 09:34

This reminds me of a family anecdote whereby my grandfather accidentally ticked every single Yes box on his driving licence form instead of No. So if it hadn't been picked up by a human he would have been put down as being visually impaired, suffering from seizures, had limbs missing, all sorts!

I'd get a clarifying letter for future proofing reasons but I don't think it is worth complaining about, it's obviously just one of those things.

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