A disciplinary hearing was told this week how a midwife shouted ‘no pain, no gain’ to a woman in labour whose baby was later stillborn.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council heard how Biobelemoye Toby called Heather Paterson a ‘silly girl’ and told her that she ‘did not deserve the baby’ as she screamed out in pain and her husband begged for a doctor.
The 41-year-old was two weeks overdue when she was admitted to the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead, London to be induced on 24 March 2005.
Miss Paterson went into labour on 23 March 2005 but was sent home as her contractions were not very strong. She was told by a doctor that her waters would be broken the following day to induce the birth. However, when she returned for the procedure, the midwife gave her Prostin to start the labour. The committee heard that the midwife gave Miss Paterson double the required dose of Prostin before leaving her alone in pain.
The midwife is also accused of giving Miss Paterson Pethidine to relieve her pain, despite her being allergic to it.
Miss Paterson said:
“She treated me with contempt and denied me my human rights. She tortured me mentally. I was totally intimidated. I was terrified. I was in fear of what was going to happen which was why I kept demanding a doctor because I knew that this woman was evil.”
A second midwife on the labour ward, Beverley Blankson, is also accused of telling Miss Paterson’s husband to watch the CTG monitor as she was concerned about the baby’s heart rate before leaving the room.
A second midwife on the labour ward, Beverley Blankson, is also accused of telling Miss Paterson’s husband to watch the CTG monitor as she was concerned about the baby’s heart rate before leaving the room.
In 2007, an inquest found that this was the last possible time to save the baby but the midwife had failed to recognise the seriousness of the situation.
The baby, Riley Arthur Croft, was born on 25 March 2005 with the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck. Unfortunately, despite efforts to resuscitate him, he could not be saved.
Both midwives are accused of a string of charges relating to the delivery at the Nursing and Midwifery Council. The hearing continues.
If you believe that you have received midwifery care below a reasonable standard then we have a dedicated team of clinical negligence solicitors who would be happy to advise you further. Call us for free initial advice on 01616 966 229.
By clinical negligence specialist, Katie Nolan
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