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Iron infusion gone wrong

Posted By charare49

"Iron infusion gone wrong"

About: Box Hill Hospital / Maternity Service

(as the patient),

I had an iron infusion earlier this year in maternity, due to having low iron throughout my pregnancy. 

The midwife put the iron in my arm. I told them my arm was feeling really sore and numb. They said it looked fine and then got a doctor to check my arm who also said it looked okay. 

I said again it was really hurting, but then my arm was very swollen, the midwife poked the tissue around the needle to determine if the iron was going into the muscle or not. I asked them to take it out and put in my other arm, which they did. However, I believe 25ml was already put into my arm, and it seemed to me that the needle hadn’t been inserted properly. Now I have extensive iron staining on my arm which has affected my mental health.

Everyone who sees the staining asks if I have been injured or hurt by someone. I now have to cover my arm with long sleeves. My doctor has told me to wait 12 months to wait for it to fade and then get laser removal. 

I believe the nurse might require further training

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Responses

Response from David Plunkett, Chief Executive, Eastern Health 2 years ago
David Plunkett
Chief Executive,
Eastern Health

Submitted on 18/10/2021 at 10:28 AM
Published on Care Opinion at 10:28 AM

picture of David Plunkett

Dear charare49,

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience and what the impact this has had on you. I’m sorry it wasn’t a positive experience and you felt the staff didn’t address your concerns when you first mentioned them. I understand this has caused you a number of challenges, including wearing long sleeve tops and needing to respond to questions regarding the changed colouration on multiple occasions.

I would welcome the chance to review what occurred and in particular the staff involved so we can see what might need to happen, including as you mention, the potential for more staff training. If you would like to do this, please contact one of our Patient Relations Advisors in the Eastern Health Centre for Patient Experience either by calling 1800 EASTERN or by emailing feedback@easternhealth.org.au. If you choose to call please be aware that it is possible that the Patient Relations Advisors may be on another call at the time you ring and if so you will be invited to leave a message so they can return your call.

Even if you choose not to make contact, I will provide your feedback to the leadership team for the maternity service so they can see what can be done without being specific to your experience.

Thank you again and wish you the best of health.

David

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