Warning: This story deals with a disturbing subject, including the loss of a baby, which may upset and provoke some readers. Discretion Advised.
Karindeep Mangat was nearly five months pregnant when she started experiencing sudden pains in the middle of the night.
It was May 12, and she and her husband immediately headed to Surrey Memorial Hospital, having been told an ambulance would be 25 minutes to an hour away.
At the hospital, Mangat’s blood pressure was taken twice. She waited two hours for a doctor who prescribed painkillers, she told Global News, and was told shortly after that she could go home.
“I was crying in pain and screaming in pain in bed,” he described in an interview on Wednesday. “She was so weak and in pain. She couldn’t even get me to my feet.”
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Mangat was alone in the room with her husband when she said she felt the baby release. She said her husband called for help, but when no one came, she left the room and asked for a tray.
She was given one and Mangat said she picked up the fetus herself and placed it on the tray.
“It was very difficult for me at the time,” he said, taking a deep breath in his living room.
According to Mangat, the nurses returned and were surprised to see that he still hadn’t left.
She said she told them she had lost the baby, and when offered the option of taking the fetus home or sending it to the pathology lab for testing, she chose the latter. She said the nurses took the fetus but didn’t “bother” to check on her health or look for complications.
“I wrapped myself in a blanket and walked out of the hospital… They just told us to leave and go home,” Mangat said.
“They should check the health of the lady, because after losing a baby there could be damage to the internal parts, there could be damage to the body.”
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Mangat said he was given a request to make an appointment at an outpatient clinic for an ultrasound. It took a week for her to secure the appointment, but when it was made, she said the results confirmed there were still remains on her body and she was sent back to the hospital for care.
“Those can turn into poison at any time,” he said. “Fortunately, nothing happened to my life, but what if I lost my life? Who is there to take care of my family and my girl?
In an emailed statement, the Fraser Health Authority said ultrasounds are available 24 hours a day for patients whose doctors determine they are necessary.
“We are sorry to hear about this patient’s experience at Surrey Memorial Hospital, and are looking into what happened to better understand his concerns,” a spokesperson wrote.
“Our Office of Patient Care Quality has connected directly with the patient to ensure they have the support they need right now.”
“In general,” added the health authority, every patient who has an abortion in the ER has the opportunity to connect with a social worker prior to discharge to ensure their physical and mental well-being.
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Mangat said she is sharing her story to hold Surrey Memorial Hospital and health authorities accountable, and to give a voice to other patients who may not be able to speak.
“Do you have a lack of doctors? machines? Whatever the reason, they need to rectify it and improve it so no one else suffers,” he explained.
“It is our health. It is a matter of our lives, so they need to be more careful and provide proper service.”
He lamented the lack of “humanity” and “due diligence” in his care, and asked for a formal apology.
“This is for everyone who goes to Surrey Memorial Hospital,” he told Global News.
Various organizations in British Columbia work to provide support and comfort to any parent experiencing the loss of a baby or pregnancy. A list of resources can be found on the Butterfly Run Vancouver website.
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