Blunder Blamed for Baby Death
01/01/2000
I would recommend Alexander Harris because they provide a very good service.
Stephanie, Cheshire
WHEN Lisa Bainbridge went into hospital to give birth she put her trust in the experts.
After a "text book" pregnancy and surrounded by medical staff with the latest hi-tech equipment, the mum-to-be thought she couldn't be in better hands.
But her baby was being starved of oxygen, unnoticed by medical staff who failed to carry out vital checks.
In a stinging rebuke to the hospital, coroner John Pollard recorded a rare verdict of natural causes aggravated by lack of care or neglect.
And experienced midwife Jane Haley admitted she had made "a big error of judgement".
Baby Ben was born in the maternity unit of Stepping Hill Hospital in Stockport on January 30, but died the next day.
Speaking after the inquest into Ben's death, Lisa said: "Not only have I lost a son, but I have lost him because of neglect."
Stockport Coroner's Court heard how staff failed to notice Lisa was in advanced labour, and did not carry out tests which could have saved Ben. Staff didn't keep a close eye on Lisa - despite giving her drugs to induce the birth - and relied on Lisa herself and her family to give them information, the inquest heard.
Lisa, 25, of Marple, was 10 days overdue when she went to Stepping Hill Hospital to be induced.
Ms Haley, a midwife for 18 years, claimed that she checked baby Ben's heart rate at 12 noon, but did not record what the rate was because she had "run out of paper", she said.
Another entry in Lisa's medical notes had been altered, the court heard.
"In hindsight I made a big error of judgement. There was no reason to think she was in established labour," said Mrs Haley.
Coroner John Pollard said: "I take the view that this is a natural cause of death that Ben died from, but that the quality and level of care immediately prior to his birth fell below that deemed to be proper."
Speaking to the MEN, Lisa said: "I trusted the midwives but feel extremely let down. I just hope that the hospital has learned some lessons."
Lesley Herbertson, of Alexander Harris solicitors said a claim for negligence would be pursued.
In a statement, Dr Chris Burke, chief executive of Stockport NHS Trust, said: "We have thoroughly reviewed the procedures relating to induction of labour."
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