A Birmingham mother is urging healthcare professionals to heed patients' concerns after she was rushed into emergency surgery just days after giving birth due to a misdiagnosed condition.
Natalie Chubb, 37, from Fordbridge in Solihull, was admitted to Good Hope Hospital after delivering her daughter, Brooke, by cesarean section in January 2023. In the days following the birth, Natalie experienced severe abdominal swelling and distressing symptoms, including vomiting faecal matter.
Despite her worsening condition, which included an inability to open her bowels, medical staff initially misinterpreted scan results. Rather than recognising that she had a dangerously swollen bowel, her symptoms were attributed to a temporary slowing of bowel movements following surgery.
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This misdiagnosis delayed urgent treatment, and Natalie developed sepsis, a life-threatening response to infection. Emergency surgery was required, involving the removal of part of her bowel and fitting of a stoma.
Following her ordeal, Natalie sought the assistance of specialist medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate her care under the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust. The Trust admitted a breach of duty, acknowledging that an earlier diagnosis would have led to swifter treatment and surgery, potentially improving Natalie’s outcome significantly.
Jade Elliott-Archer, the specialist medical negligence lawyer representing Natalie, commented: “Natalie endured a traumatic experience at what should have been one of the happiest times in her life. Concerning failings in recognising and responding to her condition were identified. While these admissions provide answers, they also highlight serious issues in postnatal care. It is imperative that lessons are learned to ensure all mothers receive timely and appropriate medical attention.”
Natalie had her emergency caesarean on 11 January 2023. Over the following days, her condition deteriorated despite her efforts to raise concerns. A CT scan on 14 January showed significant bowel swelling, but an incorrect report led to delayed treatment. On 18 January, a week after her daughter’s birth, emergency surgery was performed after the bowel perforated.
Her recovery has involved further surgeries, including reversal of the stoma and treatment for complications such as a hernia and ongoing wound issues. Natalie, who also has a 15-year-old son, Callum, describes persistent pain, fatigue and digestive difficulties impacting daily life and her ability to care for her children.
She shared: “I knew something wasn’t right, but I felt my concerns were dismissed. Facing emergency surgery was terrifying, and I feared for my life. The ongoing impact on my health has been immense. I hope by sharing my experience, other women might be listened to and receive the care they need promptly.”
A spokesperson for University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust said: “We are committed to providing safe, high-quality care and to learning from incidents when outcomes are not as expected. As legal discussions continue, we are working constructively with Ms Chubb’s representatives.”