Patient Left Traumatised After Doctor’s Contraceptive Fiasco

A patient, who will only be identified as Jessie, has spoken out about a harrowing experience involving a doctor’s failure to insert a contraceptive device, resulting in an unplanned pregnancy and abortion. The experience left Jessie suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, and a profound sense of demoralization.

Jessie visited a family planning clinic in 2021 to have a Jadelle contraceptive removed and replaced with a new one. Despite clear instructions on file, the doctor did not insert the new device. Months later, Jessie discovered they were pregnant and underwent a termination.

The Health and Disability Commissioner (HDC) found the doctor had made significant errors, including failing to review Jessie’s notes, confirm the reason for the appointment, and incorrectly recording that Jessie had declined contraception. The HDC has ordered the doctor to issue a written apology and undergo further training.

Jessie, however, is unhappy with the outcome. “It’s been an incredibly disheartening, demoralising, demeaning process,” Jessie told RNZ. “There’s been a lot of hurt, there’s been a lot of depression, a lot of anxiety, and unfortunately, it’s a very drawn-out process, so I’ve not really been able to get a lot of peace throughout this experience.”

Jessie expressed frustration with the lack of restrictions placed on the doctor’s practice. “I don’t want anyone’s life to be ruined, people make mistakes,” Jessie said. “But it is a very substantial mistake to make, and there should be, at a minimum, some restrictions placed on his practice.”

Jessie’s story highlights the potential consequences of medical errors and the ongoing struggle to access proper healthcare support. The experience, as Jessie describes it, has been deeply traumatic, leaving them with lasting mental health consequences.

The HDC’s findings and Jessie’s story raise important questions about accountability in the medical profession and the need for thorough training and supervision to prevent such errors from happening again.