A heartbroken Fife couple who were left sitting in a corridor for 20 minutes after learning they had lost their unborn baby have praised NHS Fife for making changes.
Councillor Gavin Ellis and his wife Cheryl were expecting their first child when the pregnancy developed complications in July.
After receiving the heartbreaking news, the Dunfermline couple were left in a corridor at the Victoria Hospital where they were surrounded by expectant mothers and young children.
The Conservative member for Dunfermline North spoke to The Courier about the couple’s ordeal and was overwhelmed at the number of people who had shared a similar experience.
Mr Ellis, 37, met with health chiefs at the Kirkcaldy hospital last week and has praised changes that have been made to the layout of the ward.
He said: “During our meeting we discussed the many challenges faced by the hospital which can find itself restrained within the building size it has.
“We also discussed the messages I had received from parents who have been through the process of pregnancy loss and what wishes had been relayed about the changes they would like to see.
“I was pleased to hear that over the last couple of months, small changes to the Early Pregnancy Unit and Antenatal Unit have taken place to make the journey through the process much more sympathetic and compassionate for those who are at risk of baby loss.
“We now have a larger waiting area accessed from the front door at maternity which allows for parents to sit comfortably or get fresh air at the front door while waiting to be seen.
“If there is a risk of loss or complications, you are taken to the scan area by a member of staff separate from the antenatal area.
“When you leave the scan, you are no longer sitting in a corridor where many of us have felt alone and confused.
“Instead you are provided a room with refreshments to sit in and discuss with a member of staff what has happened.”
Mr Ellis added: “I am confident that the staff will continue to improve on the issue and that hopefully going forward we can be assured that no parents will be left feeling confused and alone.
“I’m grateful to all staff at the Victoria involved in these changes and I’m exceptionally grateful to all those parents who have spoken to me about their concerns and experiences.”
The councillor also issued his thanks to SNP MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville who attended the meeting, providing cross party support.
A spokesperson for NHS Fife said: “We are committed to making the best use of our facilities and enhancing the experience of our patients wherever we can, and as such have made improvements to our Early Pregnancy Service.
“Particular focus has been given to enhancing the privacy and dignity of women experiencing pregnancy loss.
“Women experiencing loss will now be taken into a discrete counselling room within the clinic, with the Early Pregnancy Team going to them. This will remove the need to wait and move between clinical areas at what is a very upsetting time.
“We will continue to use service user feedback to identify any further opportunities for improvement.”
