A mother of three who suffered a miscarriage at home has spoken out about the distressing ordeal she and her partner endured after being advised by healthcare professionals to store the remains of their child in a refrigerator.
Sheree Chanelle Wakeford-Knight, 30, a resident of Bethnal Green, London, began experiencing bleeding in early April while she was pregnant with her first child with her partner, Hassan Niyazi, 38. The couple, who had recently discovered they were expecting, became alarmed when the symptoms worsened over the bank holiday weekend, escalating to severe pain.
Despite their efforts to seek medical attention and eventually being examined by doctors, the couple tragically lost their unborn child. However, the situation took a turn for the worse when Sheree was instructed to keep the fetus in a fridge until she could transport it to the hospital. The remains remained in the refrigerator for nine days, causing them to deteriorate.
Describing the heartbreaking experience, Sheree recounted the moment she opened the fridge and encountered the putrid odor of her decomposed baby. The haunting smell has lingered with her every time she opens the fridge, leaving her traumatized and deeply affected by the ordeal.
Following another pregnancy, Sheree faced severe bleeding, prompting a visit to Royal London Hospital for a scan. Despite initially being reassured by a nurse that the baby was healthy and breathing, Sheree’s condition deteriorated rapidly in the days that followed, leading to the tragic loss.
The couple’s distress was further compounded by the hospital’s delay in providing a storage solution for the fetus. After numerous attempts to seek assistance, they were eventually advised to refrigerate the remains for an extended period before they could bring their child to the hospital. The lack of immediate support left the couple feeling abandoned and traumatized.
Upon finally bringing the fetus to the hospital on April 22, Sheree underwent further examinations confirming the miscarriage. Overwhelmed with emotion, she handed over the box containing her baby’s remains, expressing her anguish and calling for better support for parents facing similar tragedies.
In response to the incident, Barts Health NHS Trust expressed deep regret for the family’s loss and emphasized their commitment to providing compassionate care. They encouraged dissatisfied patients to reach out to their Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) or file a formal complaint for investigation.
The harrowing experience highlights the need for improved support and sensitivity in handling miscarriages, ensuring that families receive the care and empathy they deserve during such difficult times.
