IT was the happy ending that could have gone so terribly wrong.
When Mikayla Lewis went into labour on Saturday afternoon, she called Scone's Scott Memorial Hospital looking for a doctor.
“I rang them and was told I had to go to Muswellbrook because there were no GPs [General Practitioners] on over the long weekend,” she said.
“There was no reason given.
“The hospital has known my baby's due date the whole time and never said anything.”
Mikayla's partner, Mick, had to deliver the baby in the couple's bathroom and then phoned an ambulance.
It soon arrived to their home in Parkville, but that wasn't the end of the drama.
“The ambulance turned up and was under the impression that it was going to Scone [hospital] until a call came through to go to Muswellbrook,” Ms Lewis said.
Despite the confusion, she said it was just lucky that it all worked out.
The couple were proud to announce their child, Mia Rose Death, was in full health.
“It was a happy ending considering,” she said.
“The ambulance guys were really good and everything went perfectly besides those things.
“When we got to Muswellbrook we were handled really well.”
Scott Memorial Hospital’s Health Services’ manager Judy Bernasconi said there was full GP coverage across the long weekend as usual.
“Muswellbrook and Scott Memorial hospitals have a shared Proceduralist/Obstetric roster meaning that there are times when Scott Memorial does not have GP Obstetric cover and patients in labour are transferred to Muswellbrook or, if clinically required, Maitland Hospital,” she said.
“This was the case over the long weekend.
“Soon to be mothers are informed of this procedure during antenatal classes and at antenatal visits.
“During times where a GP Obstetrician is not available at Scott Memorial Hospital, all patients presenting to the maternity unit are assessed by the midwife and timely arrangements are made for their transfer to the appropriate facility.
“In the interests of their privacy, I am not able to provide any comment with regards to a specific patient without their consent.
“I have spoken with the patient to discuss their concerns and apologise for any distress they experienced.”
