ER waiting room

[geneamper]

Hello. Thank you in advance for your help. Here is my story. I had a pregnancy terminated and it was incomplete. I was told if I began bleeding profusely or was in a lot of pain to go to this particular hospital (specifically for women). One week later, I was bleeding very badly and it was getting worse. I also was in so much pain I could hardly move. I went to a clinic and they told me to go to a particular hospital. I did and found out the pregnancy termination was incomplete and I was in the process of miscarriage. He performed a treatment and told me that if I was still in pain or began bleeding more to come back to the ER. Two days later I was still in pain and bleeding horribly. I decided to call and they told me that this was not normal and come to the ER. I did and gave them my history and they took temp. and blood pressure (once.. remember im bleeding badly) and I waited.... and waited... and waited... and waited. When I asked the nurse when I would be seen she said 2 people are in front of me (every time I asked). My primary concern (besides the pain) was that I have a history of a bleeding disorder where my blood would not clot properly. I informed the doctor of this on my first visit. Although I have not had symptoms for years I know that it could come back at any time, and with the rate which I was bleeding I was frightened. I waited 2 and a half hours in pain and bleeding and the nurse told me others had been waiting 2 hours longer than I had. I was so upset and frustrated that I went home AMA. I was given a call from the hospital to apologize saying they didnt have enough doctors and she was sorry. I miscarried at home and am fine now. But, I went to the emergency room because I felt it was an emergency. I was scared and do not want this to happen to anyone else or possibly to me a second time. Do I have any recourse? Thank you so much, Genie. PS I am in Rhode Island

[This message has been edited by geneamper (edited August 16, 2000).]

 

[dsut]

Genie, contact the Rhode Island Attorney Generals office. Also get a lawyer. There is absolutely no reason for you to go through that. A miscarraige is traumatic enough, and to be treated as you were is inexcusable. My prayers will be with you.

------------------
I ain't a lawyer. I ain't a copper. I'm a true blue American that believes in Freedom for all. Provided they ain't criminals.