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Pregnant Woman Dies After Repeatedly Denied Care
15 Jun
Summary
- Pregnant woman died from a pulmonary embolism, a preventable blood clot.
- Hospital care was admitted as 'not up to standard' after three visits.
- Maternal deaths from blood clots have increased by 50% in the UK.
A pregnant woman, Charlene Wakley, died from a pulmonary embolism five days after her third hospital admission for severe pregnancy sickness. The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust admitted that Charlene's care was not of the appropriate standard. Her family expressed deep grief, with her father stating, "No father should have to do this."
Charlene, who was eagerly anticipating her first child, experienced extreme nausea and vomiting due to hyperemesis gravidarum. Despite multiple hospital visits, the hospital failed to fully acknowledge the risks associated with extreme pregnancy sickness and the thromboembolic risks of blood clots. This oversight proved fatal when a blood clot moved to her lungs.
Research from MBRRACE-UK indicates a 50 percent rise in maternal deaths in the UK between 2013 and 2023, with blood clots being the leading cause for women up to six weeks postpartum. The Royal College of Midwives states that the risk of blood clots is assessed routinely throughout pregnancy.
The NHS trust has since apologized and stated that actions have been taken to address identified issues and strengthen services. Charlene's family urged healthcare providers to take all concerns seriously to potentially save lives.
