Specialist miscarriage delivery units to be introduced in Wishaw after campaign by East Kilbride mum
Last updated 13th Jul 2022
Specialist miscarriage delivery units are going to be introduced at University Hospital Wishaw, after a campaign by a mum from East Kilbride.
Louise Caldwell has been lobbying for the facilities since having to deliver her stillborn baby on a labour ward in 2019.
She told Clyde 1 she was left traumatised by the experience, and determined to ensure no other woman had to go through it.
READ MORE: Scottish mum campaigning for miscarriage facilities on all UK labour wards
Louise discovered her campaigning had been successful while on a video call with a senior midwife.
She said: "Cheryl was talking, and mentioned that it was going to happen, and that they've spoken to contractors.
"They were talking about two rooms, soundproofed, and I'm like 'what did they just say?' and then the tears just started flowing.
"I had no idea, and I'm still so elated, that after two and a half years of fighting solo, it's come down to this - two rooms in Wishaw.
"They're going to speak to women, and hear their voices and get their opinions on what the rooms should look like."
Leah Noble, senior midwife, maternity inpatients, University Hospital Wishaw, said: “We recognise what a difficult time it is for a patient experiencing a miscarriage or still-birth.
"The location in which parents receive care is something that can significantly influence their experience.
“While no facilities can lessen the grief and anguish bereaved parents may feel, we know how important well-designed bereavement rooms and suites are to ensure that appropriate care is delivered in the most sensitive environment possible.
“Recognising the importance of privacy and grieving in a quiet and protected space, we are moving towards a model where all women who suffer pregnancy loss will be cared for in our O’Hana suite, which will be a soundproofed suite away from the labour ward.
"Future plans will include utilising two other rooms within this area where women will have the choice for them and their families to spend their full journey without the need to go to a labour ward.
"All care will be provided in this area which will be entered through the early pregnancy assessment unit.
“We have engaged with our internal contractors on soundproofing the area to ensure that these areas are equipped for clinical care.
"Our completion date has been set for the end of October to allow the work to be carried out.”