Doctor criticised for saving womans life during child birth

In August 2010, when a woman in her early 30s was giving birth to her second child, some complications occurred as the bleeding wouldn’t stop when the placenta was about to be released. 

The woman is a member of Jehovah's Witnesses and had in advance of the birth told both orally and in writing that she would not allow a blood transfusion in case of any complications but the doctor decided to give the woman a blood transfusion as he believed her life was in danger. 

Because of this, a supervisory case was set up against the doctor and the hospital located in the county of Aust-Agder which concluded that the doctor broke the law. 

Does not take self-criticism

In response to the surveillance case, the doctor stated that he considered his commitment to saving lives more important than respecting the desire of not receiving a blood transfusion.

He also points out that the hospital did not have procedures for this type of case and based on the short time he had to take a decision, he still maintains that he acted properly.

The hospital has since set up procedures for how health professionals should act in such situations.

Should be prepared better

The County of Aust-Agder decided in their reports that the doctor should have monitored the patient closely in case there would occur complications during birth, since they knew in advance that the patient refused to receive blood.

The doctor could instead of giving blood transfusion, have surgically removed the placenta out of the womb to save the woman's life, the County decided.

In the supervisory case, the County concluded that the doctor's supervision and treatment of the patient was both inadequate, irresponsible, and a violation of Health Personnel act.

The case is now submitted to the Board of Health, who will consider whether the doctor gets a warning or not. 

Should not have been given blood

Per Engstrand, Chief Operating Officer at the hospital has apologized that it was given blood, and has introduced new procedures.

The management of the hospital had previously told the doctor that the patient should not be given blood, although she was in a life threatening situation.

The hospital has apologized for the incident and has since held a meeting with Jehovah's Witnesses Church, to review the procedures with them.

Also Quality Council at the hospital believes that the doctor should have given the woman a better follow-up to try to avoid any ethical dilemma to rise.