Woman's ordeal at Stafford Hospital
A Staffordshire woman who has waited 16 weeks for surgery to repair damage caused by post-Caesarean infection has been told to wait up to 20 more weeks.
A Staffordshire woman who has waited 16 weeks for surgery to repair damage caused by post-Caesarean infection has been told to wait up to 20 more weeks.
Tracey Baugh, aged 31, gave birth to twins Brendan and Ethan in Stafford Hospital on November 6. Three days after being sent home she was rushed back suffering a major infection to her abdomen.
She is now on unpaid sick leave while she waits for restorative surgery to repair a hernia caused by so much tissue being removed in previous operations.
Andrew Howell, 31, Tracey's partner and father of the twins, said he lost his job at a plumbing call centre in May because he had to spend time at home in Rugeley, caring for Tracey and the children.
They have been told they do not qualify for employment and support allowance or housing benefit.
They were originally told Tracey might have to wait 16 weeks for surgery, but this week they received a call from Walsall Manor Hospital to say that would be extended by up to a further 20 weeks.
The hospital said the surgeon had moved to a new department, and patients would be redistributed.
Mr Howell said: "They phoned us on Monday to say all the names on the waiting list would be put on the end of the list for other surgeons.
"So we're in a position where we may have to wait up to 40 weeks for the operation.
"Tracey's been really suffering with the anxiety. Every time we get a letter it causes such pain and anguish.
"It's really unfair."
The couple are considering legal action against Stafford Hospital.
Manjit Obhrai, medical director of Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust, said: "I sympathise with Miss Baugh but unfortunately we have no formal record of a complaint from her to our trust.
"If Ms Baugh would like to contact me, I would be more than happy to investigate her concerns."
Walsall Manor Hospital director of development, Sarah Smith, said: "The consultant who originally saw Tracey is still working at the Manor and is aware of Tracey's case.
"We will be in touch with Tracey soon to offer her an appointment date."