Dr C complained about the care and treatment she received from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (“the Health Board”) before, during and after the birth of her first child on 16 July 2022. The following matters were investigated: · Whether Dr C should have been diagnosed with pre-eclampsia (a condition which affects some pregnant women and which can lead to serious complications) and hypertension (high blood pressure) earlier in her pregnancy and if this was managed appropriately.
· Whether during labour, Dr C’s pain was managed appropriately and whether it was appropriate to carry out her episiotomy (a cut between the vagina and anus) and if consent was obtained.
· Whether Dr C was discharged appropriately and if the refashioning of her perineum should have been carried out sooner.
· Whether Dr C received appropriate support from health workers following her return home.
The investigation found that Dr C was not diagnosed with pre-eclampsia and hypertension until she presented in labour, and it was managed appropriately. During labour, Dr C’s pain was managed appropriately, and it was appropriate to carry out an episiotomy and consent was obtained. Dr C was discharged correctly, and the refashioning of her perineum could not have been carried sooner due to infection. The Ombudsman did not uphold these complaints.
However, the Ombudsman did find that whilst Dr C received appropriate support from health workers, improved monitoring of her perineum following the birth and better communication with her regarding possible complications, following the episiotomy might have provided reassurance to Dr C and improved her bonding and confidence with her child. Therefore, this part of the complaint was upheld.