A MUM who endured a heartbreaking miscarriage has called on the government to set up a dedicated area for other women who face unexpected complications.

Louise Caldwell tragically found out her baby did not have a heartbeat at the 12-week scan in October last year.

However, her despair soon turned to fear when consultants told her she would have to be sent to the labour ward at University Hospital Wishaw to undergo her treatment, as is common practice with miscarriages over 11 weeks.

The 37-year-old told the Glasgow Times: "There's nothing worse than walking out the ward holding the memory box.

"It was like a never ending corridor, I couldn't get out of their fast enough, and you're seeing people in and out with balloons and car seats. It's heartbreaking.

"I'm shocked there isn't a place already and when I started speaking to my friends about it, they couldn't believe it either."

It wasn't until Louise, who shares three sons with her husband Craig, heard about other women who were even further in their pregnancy having to go through the same ordeal that she knew she had to intervene.

Louise, who lives in East Kilbride, set up a petition calling on the NHS and Scottish Government to ensure dedicated space away from the labour ward which would allow people to go through the experience without "rubbing salt in the wound".

The campaign quickly garnered support from more than 800 people and her local politicians.

Dr Lisa Cameron, MP for the area, said: “Louise’s work is invaluable as this is an extremely emotive issue for those families who have experienced pregnancy complications and miscarriage.

"Having suffered two traumatic miscarriages myself, it is not something that I will ever forget and it seems particularly cruel that you may be placed in a unit where families are rightly celebrating the birth of their baby, when at the same time you are experiencing the traumatic bereavement and loss of yours."

“I commend Louise’s petition and work and urge that NHS policy makers review their current protocols which undoubtedly exacerbate trauma; I will do all possible to assist."

While MSP Linda Fabiani added: “This is an excellent initiative from Louise. Until Louise explained it all to me, I was completely unaware that this could be an issue, and surely at such a stressful time for any woman the utmost sensitivity should apply.

“I’ll help all I can, and we’re already looking at making a case to the Scottish Parliament‘s Public Petitions Committee.”Louise is now determined to ensure no other woman experiences the same heartache.

Cheryl Clark, chief midwife at University Hospital Wishaw, said: “We would like to pass on our sincere condolences to Ms. Caldwell. The loss of any baby is tragic and is a very distressing time for the family.

“It is standard practice that all women give birth in the labour ward. This is for safety reasons should there be any complications and medical assistance is required. Following the delivery, women are then transferred to our dedicated bereavement suite for after care and support.”

The Scottish Government did not respond to requests for comment.

To support the campaign, visit here.