A mum has called Gympie Hospital’s Early Pregnancy Assessment Service a life-saver and life-changer – and has joined the push to provide it with additional medical equipment.
Jess Dale, already a mother of a one-year-old girl was looking forward to another girl with her husband Chris when just seven weeks into her pregnancy she realised something was wrong.
“I started to bleed, and it was quite a lot of blood,” Jess said.
She went to Gympie Hospital’s Emergency Department where she was sent for scans and blood tests which confirmed a heartbeat, but also the need for ongoing support.
Jess was referred to the Early Pregnancy Assessment Service where she was assigned to Emma who helped her navigate the continuing challenges.
“It didn't resolve straight away,” Jess said. “I'd have no bleeding for a couple of weeks, and then it'd start again, and it was on and off for another seven weeks.
“I had follow up scans for blood tests - it was just a super scary and horrible experience.
“But to have Emma was beautiful, I rang her a lot to ask questions if anything happened or she’d just call to check in on me.
“It was discovered I had a hematoma, which resolved, thankfully - and now we're now almost we're six months pregnant, so our baby girl will be here before we know it.”
Gympie Hospital staff members have also recognised the importance of having this service close to home, so Gympie mothers don’t have to travel to the Sunshine Coast for support.
They’ve made the Early Pregnancy Assessment Service the top priority for the Wishlist Giving Day in Gympie on 7 May - including a gynaecological examination chair and a dedicated ultrasound.
“If anyone can give anything, it would be incredible,” Jess said. “Your generosity is appreciated.”
To create your own fundraising team or to donate on the day click here.
And remember donations on the day are DOUBLED due to our generous business Matchers.
Wishlist CEO Brendan Hogan said the doubling of donations means people really can give a little and help a lot.
“It means your $20 transforms into $40, amplifying your impact and the change you help create,” Mr Hogan said.
