Baby died of brain injury after midwives ‘neglected’ mum while breastfeeding

Olly Vickers died of a brain injury in February last year just weeks after two midwives at Royal Bolton Hospital let his mother Emma Clark feed him while she was having gas and air – in breach of guidelines.

Despite being well when he was born, Olly was found “pale and floppy” hours later due to his airways being obstructed. He developed a brain injury and died five months later.

Coroner Peter Sigee ruled his death was a result of “neglect” and due to a “gross failure to provide basic medical care”.

An inquest into his death heard a student midwife placed a pillow under his mother’s arm while she was feeding him, “contrary to accepted practice”.

Another midwife then gave Ms Clark gas and air while she was feeding Olly as she was stitched up for a tear obtained during labour – which again went against guidance.

No risk assessment was carried out and the coroner said Olly’s breastfeeding should have been stopped before the midwives began to suture Ms Clark.

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Source: The Independent, 8 July 2023