Baby death inquiries are poor and incomplete, experts say

Deaths of newborn babies should be more thoroughly investigated by health boards in Scotland, experts have said after reviewing an increase in infant mortality.

The team found inquiries into baby deaths conducted by health boards were “poor quality, inconsistent and incomplete”.

The experts added that information about staffing levels on maternity wards at the time of the deaths was so poor that they could not draw any conclusions.

They were also unable to determine if health boards enlisted independent, external advisers when considering if deaths could have been prevented.

Helen Mactier, a retired neonatologist and chairwoman of the Neonatal Mortality Review, said: “This review has helped to get a clearer understanding of the increase in neonatal deaths that occurred in 2021-22.

“We understand that there are still unanswered questions, and our recommendations are focused on ensuring that future opportunities to learn are not missed and acted on in a timely and comprehensive manner.”

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Source: The Times, 27 February 2024