Miscarriage Care and Facilities in Scotland: Scoping Report National Overview

Choice of management option

All Health Boards in Scotland reported that they ensure women can choose their preferred method of management of miscarriage. However, the geography of provision has implications for women in terms of how and if they can access their chosen approach.

Written information

All Health Boards in Scotland said that they routinely provide written information about the treatment options for the management of miscarriage and what to expect next in terms of miscarriage care. However, not all sites within Health Boards routinely provide this. This information is provided once the individual has reached the relevant service within the Health Board where miscarriage is confirmed, and management options discussed. This may not be at the site at which women originally present.

Provision of written information about services, including third party services, for mental health support are not routinely provided in all Health Boards or all sites. NHS Lanarkshire does not routinely provide written information on third party services for mental health support following a loss, but sites in the Health Board area do routinely provide written information on third party services for bereavement, which may also offer mental health support. In NHS Shetland the Gilbert Bain Hospital provides local leaflets directing women to SANDS^[8] following a pregnancy loss. SANDS offer support to anyone affected by pregnancy loss or the death of a baby.

Information about management options

As well as written information, what will happen during, after and in terms of follow-up after the management of miscarriage is explained to women in all Health Boards. This is often done once the pathway of care for the health board is followed and the patient is at the site that offers treatment for miscarriage.