Pregnant woman's ordeal sparks review of hospital care

A pregnant Adelaide woman who was transferred between three hospitals while experiencing severe abdominal pain has received an apology from a senior health official and will be the subject of a review into her care.

Kaitlin Jagu, 30, was taken to Royal Adelaide Hospital, then Women's and Children's Hospital (WCH) and finally Flinders Medical Centre (FMC) after complaining of "burning, stabbing, consistent pain, shooting from my sternum down past my belly button".

An SA Ambulance Service spokesperson said Ms Jagu was initially taken to Royal Adelaide Hospital "based on the initial assessment that Ms Jagu's presentation was not considered to be directly related to her pregnancy".

"Upon further assessment however a decision was made to transfer her to the Women's and Children's Hospital (WCH)," the spokesperson said.

Ms Jagu said while at the WCH, staff did tests "to determine the baby was OK". She was then taken to Flinders Medical Centre, which was the only Adelaide hospital equipped to treat pregnant women with medical conditions that are not related to their pregnancy.

"There is only one hospital in this state that has the specialist expertise to look after sick pregnant women, and problems in the mum, and that is Flinders Medical Centre," said Southern Adelaide Local Health Network executive director of medical services, Diana Lawrence.

Throughout her transfers, Ms Jagu experienced severe pain, and at one point, she passed out in a hospital bathroom, putting her baby into distress and prompting an emergency caesarean section.

"I'd want just clearer answers and better communication, and just an understanding of what was happening and what the next steps would be," Ms Jagu said.

Dr Lawrence said she has since met with Ms Jagu to discuss her concerns and that hospital and ambulance officials would convene for a review.

"I apologised to her, absolutely, for a few things," Dr Lawrence said.

"Her pain relief wasn't managed adequately, but also apologised to her because we don't have many single rooms here at Flinders and they often have infectious patients."

In a statement, the SA Ambulance Service said it recognised the "extremely stressful experience for Ms Jagu" and would take her concerns seriously.

Ms Jagu said it was "great" the health authorities were addressing the issues she raised but she would like to see change.