Parliament Workbench

Petition · PE01454 · Session 4

Hyperemesis specialist nurses

Closed Submitted 30 Aug 2012 Health
Signatures
0
1,823 online signatures with a country
Comments
78
Considered
4 meetings
in the Official Report

What it asks

Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to consider placing hyperemesis specialist nurses in hospitals throughout Scotland to provide medical and emotional support to the thousands of pregnant women suffering from this condition.

What the petitioner did first

A letter was written to NHS Scotland directors, over a year ago which has never been responded too. The letter was to make the directors aware of the lack of support and healthcare for those suffering from this condition. It included facts and figures showing the desperate need for these specialists. The letter also had suggestions of how this help could be delivered in the most cost effective way i.e. midwives/nurses holding support groups.
As I feel this is a national issue rather than regional, I did not approach my local MSP and instead followed the line of contacting the NHS before deciding to create this petition.
Since I suffered from hyperemesis myself, I have set up a blogspot, website and facebook group providing support and a place for women and their families to discuss the condition. In 2 1/2 years, my blog has been viewed by 11500 people and my facebook page has over 80 members, from all over the world, regularly asking for and giving advice. My website has been created for both sufferers and carers to provide a simple and clear outline of what to expect from the condition.

Where it was considered

Official Report
  1. 22 Jan 2013
    Public Petitions Committee
    New Petitions
    1 mention
  2. 16 Apr 2013
    Public Petitions Committee
    Current Petitions
    1 mention
  3. 25 Jun 2013
    Public Petitions Committee
    Current Petitions
    1 mention
  4. 17 Sep 2013
    Public Petitions Committee
    Current Petitions
    1 mention

Signatures by country

1,823 online signatures
  1. Scotland956 52.4%
  2. England311 17.1%
  3. United Kingdom204 11.2%
  4. United States171 9.4%
  5. Australia49 2.7%
  6. Canada31 1.7%
  7. Ireland22 1.2%
  8. Norway11 0.6%
  9. Wales10 0.5%
  10. India9 0.5%
  11. 16 other countries49 2.7%

Comments

78 comments, oldest first
78 comments · showing 1–50
  1. Sarah Lindsay 28 Sep 2012
    My daughter suffered this condition throughout both pregnancies-definitely need a specialist nurse for support
  2. heather green 30 Sep 2012
    I have suffered this condition twice.It is a very isolating and debilitating condition.
    It is not taken seriously in my opinion,especially in hospitals!It would help immensely to have someone trained to provide the care necessary for the women experiencing this cruel condition especially at a time which is supposed to be the most enjoyable experience in a woman's life.
  3. Irene Murray 1 Oct 2012
    Wonderful role for a midwife
    - not a nurse!
  4. Harriet Sophie Wyn-Evans 2 Oct 2012
    I lost my first baby in 1997 whilst a student in Dundee due to undiagnosed HG
  5. Heather Miranda 5 Oct 2012
    Hyperemesis is a horrific illness and so much more needs to be done to care for women going through it.
  6. Angela 5 Oct 2012
    HG is a terrible condition and has caused hardship in mine and my families lives. There needs to be more specialized help in this area... NURSES and DOCTORS!!!!!!!
  7. Margaret O'Hara 5 Oct 2012
    The shoddy treatment of women with hyperemesis gravidarum through most of the 20th century until now is nothing short of a disgrace. Not only should the obstetric and midwifery professions provide best practice care for all sufferers as a matter of urgency, they should publicly apologise to the hundreds of thousands of women who have been fobbed off and sent home to suffer alone instead of being given treatment. Shame on you all you doctors and midwives who tell women it's psychosomatic.
  8. Amanda McGregor 5 Oct 2012
    I have suffered this horredous condition three times and have only one child as a result. It was misunderstood and unsupported with only 'crisis' admissions when I was seriously ill. There are alternatives, in other countries it is better supported and managed. Please put an end to needless suffering by women who endure this condition by providing better training and specialist resources to prevent the crisis stage occuring.
  9. Denise Penney 5 Oct 2012
    My sister and a friend of mine have suffered badly with hyperemesis throughout their pregnancies. There's no question that introducing specialist practitioners in this field would be of great benefit. It's a necessity!
  10. Joanne pearson 5 Oct 2012
    Not just for midwives may I add. When a patient has severe HG, they may need to go on TPN through Hickman line, like myself. Midwives are not trained on how to use Hickman lines nor administer TPN. They are specialist nurses. It would be great to have a nurse or midwive that would be qualified for this. I had to spend 3 months on a gastro ward due to the lack of midwives not being trained on this.
  11. Ann Marie King 6 Oct 2012
    This is wonderful ladies! As the Co-Founder of the world's largest non-profit dedicated to raising awareness, research and education we all need to work together around the globe to make a difference! I ask that you sign our petition as well in the United States at www.hyperemesis.or or www.HelpHER.org. Great job and together our voices will be heard!
  12. Maryon Penney 6 Oct 2012
    A member of our family suffered for her entire pregnancy and received no help whatsoever.
  13. Michelle Parsons 8 Oct 2012
    I think it is extremely important to try to raise awareness and find suitable treatments for this. The care you receive during your journey with HG vastly affects the outcomes, both for you and your child's health and for your mental health too (many women end up with PTSD after prolonged HG, as it depletes the body of vital nutrients and in some cases can cause organ failure) I had some lovely nurses but also ad experiences with the not so nice ones who treated me like a hysterical waste of everyone's time who should just pull herself together. Surely with the emphasis on the health of future generations this should be given due consideration.
  14. Sam Waller 8 Oct 2012
    PLEASE PLEASE help the ladies who suffer from this horrific condition. If only it WAS "morning sickness", that I could cope with, HG is on a whole new scale and desperately needs more awareness and people in the medical profession who actually KNOW what it is, how to treat it and not give stupid advice to eat ginger and sip water (like we havent already thought of that and tried it!!)
  15. Karen 9 Oct 2012
    I had hyperemesis. My daughter is now 17 and an only child as couldn't face the possibility of going through that again, but with a young child to look after as well. Obstetrician at time told me it was psychological not physical! I'd love to have swapped places with him for a day and see what he thought about it then.
  16. Gemma Frances Brady 9 Oct 2012
    This is such a horrific condition! Suffered it myself and it was the worst time of my life! Still suffering mentally due to this,would love to have more kids one day but until there is people specially trained to help and take it seriously I can't consider having anymore.
  17. Jamie Panelle 10 Oct 2012
    I have had HG twice. I was lucky to have an HG educated doctor through out both of my pregnancies. I wish I could say this for all that suffers from HG. You feel like you are dying a slow death. I suffered the whole 9 months. If it weren't for the help and support of my doctors and nurses, I don't think I would have been able to give life to my 2 beautiful girls. Please help the victims of HG and give babies a chance. Most don't make it.
  18. Heather Garrett 12 Oct 2012
    Thousands of moms-to-be around the world are misdiagnosed, mistreated and misunderstood when they are told their dehydration, malnutrition and constant vomiting is simply morning sickness. Their bodies literally reject food and water. Many terminate due to despair and lack of proper diagnosis. This misunderstood and deadly disease is called Hyperemesis Gravidarum, or HG. These women and babies need YOUR help.
  19. Jessica Pinkard 13 Oct 2012
    HG nearly killed my babies and me. It is so important to have resources in place to help women who suffer from this horrible disease.
  20. Jill Dempsey 22 Oct 2012
    If you don't get hyperemesis, you don't "get" hyperemesis. We need someone in Scotland who can help with this awful, horrible condition, someone who understands and doesn't just treat us as neurotic women who cannot deal with a "bit of morning sickness".
  21. Carli 1 Nov 2012
    Thank you for doing this and for anyone who signs. HG almost killed me and my little one. I was deathly ill for 9 months straight. I suffered with multiple PICC lines and a portacath, was in the hospital so much with blood infections and severe dehydration and starvation. I was kept alive on IV's 24-7, bed ridden and alone. This disease is so far beyond morning sickness, it goes deep and tortures it's victim on every level. These women need help and support- please do not forget us.
  22. Aisha 3 Nov 2012
    Though i dont live in scotland i badly want that they provide good medical support to all the HG sufferrers. Only HG patient can truly understand how it feels
    thanks to everyone for signing this petition
  23. Kyleen 3 Nov 2012
    I am in the States, but really wish that this would become a more recognized illness globally, with support for all of the women who suffer through these difficult pregnancies. Having qualified and adequate support makes all the difference!
  24. Tova 3 Nov 2012
    Knowledge is power and empowering. To suffer through hyperemsis gravidarum without adequate support (physical, emotional or otherwise) is unfortuantely too common. I've had HG twice. Thank you for helping to end the ignorance about this severe and unrelenting disease.
  25. Carrie 3 Nov 2012
    Hyperemesis is awful for all those who suffer it. I think support should definitely be put into place for those who need it as it can cause a lot of distress.
  26. Lynnette Spragg 3 Nov 2012
    Having been hospitalised 3 times with HG myself, I can safely say it depends which staff are working that shift as to how you are treated. My first stay was amazing, my nurse was lovely and I sent a thank you card. My third stay was horrific, the nurses wanted me out ASAP and i complained. HG women need more support and midwives need more training.
  27. Isabel Corcoran 4 Nov 2012
    seems to me this needs urgent attention
  28. Natalie Robb 4 Nov 2012
    Thank you to EVERYONE who has signed!! Spread the word to family and friends, we desperatly need this help in Scotland xx
  29. Louise Woodland 5 Nov 2012
    A needed support unfortunately many women may be so Sick they have to abort their own child I have heard in their past, specialist nurses need to suppose women with this condition and also conditions like Obstetric cholestasis which my Mother suffered from when pregnant with me and my sister at times she felt suicidal with the itching such a shame on people with these conditions.
  30. Sophie Roberts 6 Nov 2012
    Extra help for pregnant woman is needed!
  31. Rebecca Macaulay 6 Nov 2012
    I suffered this condition throughout all 3 pregnancies, it was the worst feeling in the world I actually physically felt my body giving up on me an really believed I was going to die, I felt no one understood just how serious it was I understood my friends an family, even my partner not understanding the condition an believing I was exaggerating the sickness but I was totally mortified and shocked to see how little "so called" health professionals knew or cared about the condition, as a result of the condition I ended up in hospital with all 3 pregnancies on drips and medication to help me an I got extremely depressed! Thankfully all 3 of my babies survived an were born very healthy but I've heard of people lossing their unborn babies an in extreme cases their own lives! More funding needs to be put into the research of Hyperemisis and ALL doctors, nurses and midwives should be fully trained and aware of the condition! We must help all the women who have, are and will suffer with Hyperemisis to feel they are not alone!
  32. Rebecca Macaulay 6 Nov 2012
    I totally support this petition to get the help n support needed in Scotland but I do feel help an support should be given everywhere, not just Scotland! I'm from Wirral, England and there is no support here, what so ever, especially from health care professionals!
  33. Sean Edgar 7 Nov 2012
    People should support this!!!
  34. mrs alice guy 7 Nov 2012
    im Scottish and proud of it so come on u scots lets do it 4 our future children make it count
  35. Susan Strachan 7 Nov 2012
    I suffered from this in my second pregnancy and its absolutely awful. I had a little boy already who was only 1 and my husband was unfortunatley away with work (armed forces and his job meant I could not tell him what was happening let alone him getting back to help!). I was sent to the hospital so many times and was always the same thing placed on drip for few hours then packed off home! eventually I got an appointment with my own doctor as I was going out my mind and couldnt cope anymore and he forced the hospital to admit me as it had got so bad my liver wasnt functioning properly! its so bad that there isnt more support for this. when i was being "treated" with the drip at the hospital they were so rude and were basically like you're fine get on with it. If it had not been for my doctor making sure I got admitted for a week I dont know how things would have turned out. There is a definite need for specialist help with this and fast!!
  36. Katherine Discombe 8 Nov 2012
    I had a friend with this condition, who was so ill in pregnancy that she couldn't even get out of bed in the morning before she had thrown up
    - it was dire.
  37. Gemma Frances Brady 9 Nov 2012
    I've commented here before but wanted to comment again to emphasise how important this cause is! I suffered for 9 months with this condition and got treated in hospital but they made me feel like I was making it up! Thankfully I made it through it somehow! I suffered it again recently and thought I was ready to take it on however it hit me quicker and harder than before! Didn't think it could've got worse only this time I'm ashamed and sad to say I ended the pregnancy, my 2 year old was extremely distressed seeing me so ill and made my family angry as they thought I was selfish not being there for her,no one supported me during it,such an horrific condition! I really want more kids and don't want my daughter suffering this when she's older!
  38. Rosemary Cameron 10 Nov 2012
    Much needed service.
  39. Stewart Thomson 11 Nov 2012
    My wife Jude had hyperemesis,many variations in how many women are affected. Many of the professionals I have had to deal with have had little or no idea at all about the condition. I have encouraged them to find out more by visiting the pregnancy support services website. Had the professionals known about hyperemesis Jude would have had the correct support,diagnosis and medication much much earlier.
  40. lizzy 11 Nov 2012
    hope u feel better soon
  41. Rose Elgart-Fail 11 Nov 2012
    My daughter and I survived hyperemesis only with the help of www.helpher.org, which I found nearly by accident. Every single time I share this resource, someone speaks up who either suffered this nightmare illness or knows of a woman who did. Please don't leave the fates of thousands of women to chance. Create a nursing position that cares for women and unborn children who can be saved by your actions.
  42. Kristen Baker 12 Nov 2012
    I have suffered from this in 2 pregnancies and have found it to be a hugely misunderstood condition. To have specialist nurses available not only validates this debilitating illness but also would provide support which would help get pregnant women through. I know of women who have considered terminations due to this condition, and know it will limit the number of children I have. Nurses who don't treat you like you're making a fuss or making it up would be amazing.
  43. florence bruce 12 Nov 2012
    My poor sister was like that during her pregnancy, only thing she could keep down was Sugar Puffs
  44. Leigh Verdot 12 Nov 2012
    I suffered from this condition in my last pregnancy. To have someone who had understood how I was feeling and offered support would have made such a difference to me. Please help other women to receive the help they deserve.
  45. Jenni Wynne 13 Nov 2012
    This induction is very misunderstood and so are it's sufferers. Not enough people in the medical profession know about this. I am pleased to say I am a hg survivor!
  46. rachel alcock 14 Nov 2012
    well done and thank you for doing this after 3 kids and no 4 on way my eldest being 11 now i would have thought people would be more aware but im still treated like im idoit by midwives and docs when i tell them how ill i am and if i mention hg they look at me as if it something i have made up so again thank you
  47. Venus Savage 17 Nov 2012
    I have suffered from hyperemesis every day from week 5 through delivery, of 2 pregnancies. My mother also suffered from it through multiple miscarriages and 2 successful pregnancies. It's extremely important for pregnant women to get proper diagnosis, medical care, and emotional support.
  48. Jenny Hazel 18 Nov 2012
    Thank you, thank you, thank you! I had my daughter nearly 8 years ago after having severe HG. I was constantly being told that the sickness would stop, or it was all in my head and even accused of being a heroin addict by one pharmacist (despite all blood results being clear). There is a huge amount of ignorance surrounding this illness and I applaud you for trying to make a difference. Here's hoping it works.
  49. Mairi 20 Nov 2012
    After suffering horrendously throughout my pregnancy and having no support other than being told its 'one of those things' I believe its incredibly important that support be available for sufferers
    - I lost my job and felt like I was on the verge of a nervous breakdown, I have decided against further children because I can't bear the idea of going through this condition again with no medical support or recognition of what is a severely debilitating condition.
  50. Lorraine MacKinnon 20 Nov 2012
    I know all about this as had this with all four of my pregnancies
    - would have welcomed some support.