Woman moved between three hospitals

Kaitlin Jagu contacted Triple Zero on Tuesday, October thirteen after experiencing abdominal pain at thirty weeks pregnant. She was transferred between three Adelaide public hospitals while in severe pain.

First stop: Royal Adelaide Hospital

SA Ambulance Service took Ms Jagu to Royal Adelaide Hospital based on initial assessment that her presentation was not directly related to her pregnancy. She was then transferred to Women's and Children's Hospital.

Second stop: Women's and Children's Hospital

At Women's and Children's Hospital, staff performed tests to determine the baby was okay.Ms Jagu was then transferred to Flinders Medical Centre, the only Adelaide hospital equipped to treat pregnant women with non-pregnancy medical conditions.

“There is only one hospital in this state that has the specialist expertise to look after sick pregnant women, and problems in the mum, and that is Flinders Medical Centre.”

Severe pain throughout transfers

Ms Jagu described experiencing burning, stabbing, consistent pain shooting from her sternum down past her belly button throughout her transfers. At Flinders Medical Centre, she was given a green whistle pain relief device.

“burning, stabbing, consistent pain, shooting from my sternum down past my belly button”

Loss of consciousness triggers emergency

While attempting to provide a urine sample at Flinders Medical Centre, Ms Jagu passed out in the bathroom. Her loss of consciousness put her baby into distress, prompting an emergency caesarean section.

Twisted bowel discovered during surgery

After Ms Jagu's baby was delivered at thirty weeks, doctors found her pain was caused by a twisted bowel, which was fixed during the emergency surgery. Both mother and baby survived the complications.

Poor communication between hospitals

Ms Jagu praised staff in the birthing suite but criticised lack of communication to her and her family about what was happening and next steps. She said this created big red flags during her care.

“I'd want just clearer answers and better communication, and just an understanding of what was happening and what the next steps would be.”

Health network apologises and launches review

Southern Adelaide Local Health Network executive director Diana Lawrence apologised to Ms Jagu for inadequate pain relief and placing her in a mixed gender bay.Hospital and ambulance officials convened for a review of her case.

“I apologised to her, absolutely, for a few things.”