Mum stranded by baby ward closure

From the archive, first published Friday 5th Aug 2005.

A WOMAN in advanced labour had to endure a 17-mile journey to Macclesfield after Leighton Hospital in Crewe turned her away because its maternity unit was shut.

Clare Pheasey and husband Garry had to call two hospitals in a desperate search for a bed after the unit was forced to close for two days due to staff illness.

When Mrs Pheasey, aged 33, from Rode Heath, first told the hospital she had entered pre-labour the unit was still open, and staff gave no warning of its imminent closure.

In a second telephone call 11 hours later she was told the unit had been shut, and would have to find a bed elsewhere.

The couple contacted the University Hospital of North Staffordshire, but were turned away due to a shortage of beds.

Clare, from Tennyson Avenue, eventually found a place at Macclesfield Hospital, where she gave birth to 6lb 8oz Heidi.

Clare, who had her pre-natal check-ups and medical notes at Leighton Hospital, said: "I was very angry and upset because they knew I was in labour but didn't bother to call me.

"Garry had to look up directions to Macclesfield on the Internet because we had never been there before.

"It was a very distressing time. I was quite lucky it was my second child, and I'm a laidback sort of person.

"If I was a first-time or young mother I'd hate to think how I would have reacted."

Garry works with his wife at the Alsager university campus, and praised Macclesfield Hospital staff.

He said: "If my wife was pregnant again I would try to get her into Macclesfield, because they were amazing."

Leighton Hospital has apologised to Mrs Pheasey for the distress caused.

Denise Bailey, head of midwifery services, said: "I would like to offer my apologies to the patient, and have written to her to do this.

"The hospital has a procedure to follow in the event of a closure, which states staff will contact another hospital if the mother has to transfer.

"I apologise the policy was not followed in this instance.

"It is usual for women to ring the hospital for advice and support at an early stage of their labour.

"It was not possible to inform the patient when she originally called the hospital, as the decision to close the unit had not been taken.

"We will be reviewing our procedure to improve how we can actively support women in an improved way if they need to transfer."

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