We sold Helen's story to the Sunday People
Mum-of-two Helen Ramsey got in touch to tell us of her nightmare experience – during which she was forced to travel 230 miles and visit four different hospitals just to give birth.
Helen, 33, was 33 weeks pregnant with her second child when her waters broke. Her partner James, 30, rushed her to their local hospital in Harlow, Essex, but the couple were told the special care baby unit was full.
She was then taken 55 miles to a hospital in Colchester and told she would be induced the following morning. But the next day Helen was devastated to learn that a place was no longer available. She was then sent to a hospital in Peterborough 95 miles away. But doctors there would not induce the birth and suggested Helen become an outpatient – which would have meant a five-hour round trip from home.
It was to be six days before a place was finally found, at Chase Farm hospital in Enfield – only a 15 minute drive from the couple’s home – where Helen gave birth to a little boy called Dylan.
But the family has been left deeply affected by the experience. ‘No one should have to go through what I did,’ said Helen. ‘It was a complete nightmare from beginning to end.’ If you have suffered a distressing ordeal like Helen’s and wish to speak out about your experiences, complete the sell my story form on our website or contact us at message@talktothepress.com.
