BIRMINGHAM — A mother from Solihull was left needing emergency surgery for a perforated bowel after a scan taken following the birth of her daughter at Good Hope Hospital in Birmingham was misinterpreted, according to a medical negligence claim.
Natalie Chubb, 37, said she knew something was wrong after her caesarean section on 11 January 2023, but felt her concerns were not being taken seriously. In the days after the birth, she developed severe abdominal pain and swelling, together with vomiting that included faecal matter.
Her condition later worsened into sepsis, and she underwent emergency surgery on 18 January, when part of her bowel was removed and a stoma fitted.
Trust says scan was wrongly reported and decisions were made on that basis
Lawyers for Ms Chubb, from Irwin Mitchell, said a CT scan on 14 January was misread as showing only a temporary slowing of bowel movement after surgery, rather than the serious problem that had developed. University Hospitals Birmingham has admitted a breach of duty and said the scan had been incorrectly reported four days before the emergency operation.
The trust said decisions about Ms Chubb’s care were made on the basis of that error. A spokesperson said University Hospitals Birmingham is committed to providing safe, high-quality care and to learning when things do not go as expected.
The trust added that, while legal discussions are ongoing, it would not be appropriate to comment on the detail of the case, but it is working constructively with Ms Chubb’s representatives.
Mother says her recovery has been long and painful
Ms Chubb said being told she needed emergency surgery was something she would never forget. She said she was frightened she might die as her symptoms became more severe over several days.
She said the ordeal has had a lasting impact on her health and family life. She continues to live with pain, fatigue and digestive problems, and says day-to-day tasks have become more difficult. The mother, who also has a 15-year-old son, said the experience has affected how she has been able to care for Brooke and Callum.
Since then, she has had further surgery, including reversal of the stoma, as well as treatment for complications including a hernia and ongoing wound problems.
Campaign for better post-birth care after warning signs were missed
Ms Chubb is now calling for women to receive better care after childbirth and for their concerns to be listened to more carefully. She said she wants warning signs after birth not to be missed, so other mothers do not go through what she experienced.
Jade Elliott-Archer, of Irwin Mitchell, said the firm’s investigations had identified concerning failings in how Ms Chubb’s condition was recognised and responded to as it worsened. She said the admissions provide answers that Ms Chubb deserves, but also raise serious concerns about the care women can receive after birth.
Ms Chubb said she hopes her case will help improve care for at least one other mother, adding that if it does, the ordeal will have been worth it.
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