A pregnant woman who was told her baby had no heartbeat requested a final scan the day she was to be made to miscarry, only to find the baby was alive and growing.
Photo: 123rRF
The Health and Disability Commissioner today found a sonographer and a radiologist breached the patient's rights under the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights.
The woman had an abdominal scan in 2015, prompted by concerns that her levels of a hormone produced during pregnancy were low.
The sonographer could not confirm a foetal heartbeat on ultrasound, but did not offer a transvaginal scan that would have provided more information.
Arrangements were made for a procedure if the woman did not miscarry naturally.
The day this was due to happen, the woman asked for a further ultrasound for her peace of mind.
The new test showed the foetus was viable, and the pregnancy continued.
The Commissioner today made a range of recommendations for the DHB, the sonographer and the radiologist, including apologies and audits of their work.