A Melbourne couple, Liz and Mouhamad Darwish, has initiated legal action against Western Health, alleging medical negligence that resulted in Liz losing both her fallopian tubes and dashed their aspirations for a larger family. The couple, who met 17 years ago and already have three children, felt immense joy upon learning they were expecting another child in early 2022. However, at ten weeks into the pregnancy, Liz experienced bleeding, leading to a visit to Bacchus Marsh Hospital where she was informed of a miscarriage.
Despite this setback, five weeks later, Liz faced a dire health situation that required immediate medical attention. After experiencing several episodes of fainting, her family found her unconscious, prompting an emergency transfer to Sunshine Hospital. During the consultation, Liz informed the staff that she had experienced a “cleanout” procedure at Bacchus Marsh, asserting she was not pregnant. Contrary to her assertions, it was later revealed that she was indeed pregnant but had an undiagnosed ectopic pregnancy causing her fallopian tube to rupture.
Liz described the harrowing experience of believing she might not survive to see her children again. Following surgery, she awoke to the troubling news that both her fallopian tubes had been removed, a decision she felt was made without proper explanation or justification. Her frustration grew as she learned that protocols typically dictate that only the affected tube should be removed in cases of ruptured ectopic pregnancies.
Three years later, Liz and Mouhamad remain without answers, and their hopes for expanding their family have been irreparably altered. Their lawyer has stated that proper medical procedures could have preserved Liz’s fallopian tubes, and the case highlights ongoing concerns about patient care at Western Health. The couple desires accountability from the healthcare provider, urging them to prevent such occurrences in the future.
In a response, a spokesperson from Western Health reaffirmed their commitment to patient care and safety but declined to comment on specifics due to privacy regulations. The family’s journey underscores the profound impact of medical errors and their far-reaching effects on personal aspirations and family planning.