Investigation launched after Queensland mum transferred to three hospitals as baby dies

A Queensland mum has shared her traumatic birth story after she was transferred to three separate regional Queensland hospitals while her baby died inside her.

A young North Queensland mother was bounced between three regional hospitals while in early labour before eventually being told her baby had died and she would have to birth her naturally.

Imogen Jones, who was 19 when she fell pregnant with baby Kinsley in October 2020, is now demanding a full investigation into her treatment.

Ms Jones went into early labour in April 2021, but instead of receiving a scheduled caesarean as planned, she was moved between Emerald, Townsville and Rockhampton hospitals for weeks, before eventually birthing her dead baby girl.

After seeing The Courier-Mail reports on Queensland’s maternity crisis, Ms Jones wanted to share her story with other expecting mothers and “prevent it from happening to other women”.

“That will bring me a bit of closure, that it’s not continuing to happen,” she said.

“Because I regret not asking more questions.”

Emerald woman Imogen Jones, right, with her mother Claire.

Ms Jones last week issued a formal complaint against all three hospitals in hopes her case may be reviewed.

Each hospital has since responded to organise face-to-face meetings with Ms Jones to discuss her case.

As a type 1 diabetic, she had been visiting her local hospital in Emerald for regular check-ups and consultations with a diabetic educator throughout her pregnancy.

But when she started having contractions at 31 weeks, she presented to Emerald Hospital and was told by staff that although she wastoo early, her baby was healthy and measuring a week ahead.

Ms Jones was given medication to stall her labour, and was transferred to Townsville Hospital.

“Brisbane (RBWH) and the Sunshine Coast Hospital couldn’t take me because they were full,” she said.

Imogen Jones and baby Kinsley.

Imogen Jones when she was pregnant. Pictures: Supplied

Ms Jones says she told staff she was experiencing stomach pain but “did not feel listened to”, with Townsville staff mainly concerned about her spiking sugar levels.

After spending two weeks in Townsville, Ms Jones was discharged and forced to drive eight hours to Rockhampton.

“Which I thought was weird because my cervix was dilated and my baby’s heartbeat was a bit irregular,” she said.

“They told me at that point that Rockhampton would be expecting me, but by the time we got there they told me to come back in another week, so we stayed at a friend’s house in Yeppoon.”

When Ms Jones finally went in for her scheduled appointment at Rockhampton Hospital, she again complained of stomach pain.

She was then informed that swab results taken at both Emerald and Townsville Hospital weeks earlier had shown she had a strep infection.

An ultrasound was performed and Ms Jones was told her baby girl was dead.

Emerald woman Imogen Jones doesn’t want anyone else going through the same thing.

Stillbirth options were not discussed with Ms Jones, instead she was told to take a pill to induce labour.

Ms Jones declined to have Rockhampton Hospital perform an autopsy on her child, but was told her baby had been in distress at some point, likely causing the umbilical cord to wrap around her neck.

No hospital has provided Ms Jones any reports of her stays or treatment over the three-week ordeal, including discharge summaries.

Mum Claire Rowley said while her daughter had been strong in dealing with her grief, it was time for the government to step up and provide adequate services for residents in regional and remote areas.

“I can understand not all pregnancies go to term or survive post birth, but this could have been prevented - she was fine,” Mrs Rowley said.

“Looking back, I feel at fault for not questioning them or saying Ryan’s Rule.

“I think the baby was ready to come.”

Following the traumatic experience, Ms Jones returned home to Emerald and suddenly fell ill.

Emerald Hospital had cancelled her post-operative appointment, with Ms Jones told by a midwife over the phone that she was simply “too busy”.

She had to be flown back to Rockhampton Hospital where she was treated for a post-partum infection.

“She almost died,” Mrs Rowley said.

Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service chief executive Dr Emma McCahon and Townsville Hospital and Health Service chief executive Kieran Keyes extended their sympathies to Ms Jones.

Both health services have now organised meetings with her to “work through her concerns”.

Mr Keyes added that “appropriate clinical information and documentation” was “regularly shared” between hospitals as part of the transfer process.

But Mrs Rowley said treatment and care provided by all three hospitals was simply “not good enough”.

“I don’t expect much but just do better. For everyone’s sake, just do better.”