More details from the case of Dorota L.
A week ago, we reported about the case of Dorota L., who died due to sepsis and multiple organ failure while pregnant in Nowy Targ, Poland. After an investigation was held into her death, reports returned of the inhumane way she was treated while at hospital and the lack of action from doctors to save her. She was told by the nurses to keep her legs above her head for three days straight – she was laying down and kept her head below the level of her legs as it was argued that her amniotic fluids “could return”. Despite her worsening state, Dorota remained in this position and despite her diagnosis and the high likelihood of the foetus dying, no suggestion was made to save Dorota.
The doctor claimed “there was a chance for a successful ending” and failed to inform Dorota’s family that her situation was worsening – despite Dorota informing her family herself. On the 24th of May her sister and mother were due to visit her to help her wash her hair, but they did not make it in time. At 5:20am she was rapidly deteriorating, and foetal death was diagnosed – soon after at 7:16am she suffered a cardiac arrest, and she was pronounced dead at 9:38am. The lawyer representing the family – Jolanta Budzowska – also represented Iza’s family who died in Pszczyna in similar circumstances. Her biggest concern was that Dorota’s rising CRP levels (which denote inflammation) were ignored and she further highlighted that keeping the patient laying down is not recommended by doctors and current medical advice.
On Wednesday, 7th of June, at 8pm in Krakow by the Retoryka Street, the Polish Women’s Strike invited everyone to come and bring lit candles to commemorate Dorota’s memory and once again say: ani jednej wiecej (not one more). There is also a demo in London on Wednesday 14 June.