“At 6.15pm on 27th July 2006 my family’s world as it was ended. We were a normal family of five; now we are three.”
Clare Bowen, mother of Bethany, Will & James and widow of Richard.
In this moving and challenging documentary we tell the story of the Bowen family following the tragic death of Bethany during ‘routine’ surgery. Following the trauma of his daughter’s death and the ‘torture’ of the inquest, Richard died suddenly of a massive heart attack aged 31 years.
Clare’s remarkable courage and humanity in the face of extreme tragedy is the hallmark of this powerful and provocative film. Through Clare’s testimony the film offers professionals the opportunity to explore the multiple ‘human factors’ that lead to Beth’s untimely death and to re-examine their own ideas and practice in relation to serious harm in the healthcare context.
Ultimately, this film is another step in Clare’s search for truth and reconciliation.
“I employed Beth’s Story to set the context for a pilot study of undergraduate multi-professional learning about medical errors. This powerful narrative illustrates the wide reaching effects of errors, and the personal perspective made the situation real, and a responsibility of everyone in healthcare professions. All of the students were moved and were able to recognise the importance of the subsequent teaching and learning they undertook.”
Undergraduate Dean
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Ken Catchpole says
This is a really powerful film which is not about bad people; but an underlying cultural failure to admit that tragic mistakes can happen and that understanding can not only prevent them, but aid the healing of those affected.
Christine A Goeschel ScD MPA MPS RN says
Beth’s story is phenomenal on many levels. The blend of emotion, insight, and candor that you have captured could facilitate critical learning across the industry
Dr Andrew Leitch says
Beth’s story is incredibly moving and powerfully illustrates the wider impact of medical disaster. I have used it as part of Human Factors teaching for FY1 doctors. You could have heard a pin drop while we were watching it, in contrast to the lively debate that followed. The story can be used to facilitate learning about a wide range of issues pertinent to the development of trainee doctors: the non-technical skills which might have played a part in the event itself, consent, organisational culture, coronial enquiries and not least the wider impact of such events on the families of our patients. Finally, Clare Bowen’s clarity of purpose, openness and dedication to the search for the truth in order to reduce future harm are a powerful lesson in themselves
Jenny Cottingham says
Clare is so brave and so right with her comments. Few of us want anything but to know why.. and that seems to be the hardest question for members of the NHS to openly answer. The complaints and inquest process is awful, and further impacted on this family with the loss of Richard. Thinking of Beth and Richard, Clare and the boys… your bravery and Beths legacy has already made a difference.
Elise Chan says
I read through the article published in the CASEBOOK. This sort of attitudes are present in hk as well. I’m an anaesthetist. I kept on reminding the surgeons to seek help from their consultant surgeons. They only do so when they get caught by the complications. I, once, even spoke to their chief, asking “why don’t u come back early?” In return, the chief then lodged a compliant against me of my attitude, being offensive to him………
This sort of arrogance is killing patient, indeed! It’s not all about money. It’s about the ugly system!
Saye-Thiam Khoo says
I had heard of the story before but was still gutted when I read the story on CASEBOOK. This is what happens when us doctors try to do cutting edge stuff and don’t know our limits. Show me a doctor who doesn’t know his or her limits and I’ll show you a dangerous doctor. I do laparoscopic surgery but firmly believe one should never do it laparoscopically if it is unsafe. A large incision is infinitely preferable to a disaster down a keyhole. The pressure to be more accomplished is exacerbated by (imperfect) measures of competence linked to time taken for the procedure as well as conversion rate. The result is that surgeons are pressured to rush through operations and to carry on well beyond the point where it is safe to do so. The case also highlights poor damage control by the doctors and the hospital concerned. As a parent myself, I can feel Clare Bowen’s pain and her story will remain as a sobering reminder that us surgeons are also human and fallible.
Greg Clark says
All you wanted was perfectly reasonable and should have been the first priority of the hospital too. I salute your courage in telling your story and am glad you had a better outcome for your son.
I cant imagine how difficult the decision to go to the brink of disaster again must have been. I am pleased you chose another hospital and a team who took the time to know their patients.
God Bless you and your family.
Liz Bruce says
I am so moved by your story . So much sadness and suffering. Compounded by a systematic inability to act compassionately and honestly on the part of the organisation. I dare say the professionals involved were bound up in fear and unsure how to act. I think if anything could ever help you. .. know that things are changing, that conversations are being had with professionals about how to act when the worst happens, about duty of candor. … and about doing the right thing. Thank you for sharing your story. I won’t forget it.
Karen Kennedy says
Thank you. The story of Beth will stay with me. All too often our world becomes framed by terminology and we lose sight of the patient and their families. This is of course not intentional, but the story of your family has renewed my sense of purpose and absolutely strengthened my resolve to support change.
Maria Hughes says
As a nurse, and a mother who has also lost a child you are an amazing, brave lady and I am deeply touched by your tragic story. You are so correct, you never get over the loss, you sort of get used to it. As a Mum we need to keep their memory alive forever as we have for our son Shaun.
Thanks for sharing your story x
Jon Milne says
It goes without saying that this is an incredibly powerful film and my heart goes out to the family. There is a significant amount of learning from the medical staff’s response at the time of the incident (particularly in relation to the disposal of items), the manner in which the family were treated in the immediate aftermath and the unkind and defensive responses at the inquest. There is never a place for defensive and covert responses to adverse events, from significant tragedies such as this right through to more minor incidents. You cannot change what has happened but can influence how you treat others, apologise, take accountability and responsibility and show openness and compassion.