AvMA case study: Baby E's story

Summary

This article tells the story of Baby E, who died two hours after delivery following issues with the management of her labour. The maternity unit was short-staffed on the night of Baby E's birth and there were delays in getting her mother to theatre for a caesarean section. Baby E's parents felt that the hospital withheld information from them, failing to inform them of internal investigations that had taken place following Baby E's death.

At the inquest, the coroner concluded that errors had been made, including the fact that Baby E's low heart rate had been missed. She also criticised the decision-making process in the management of labour, but concluded that she was unable to say whether this had made a difference to whether or not Baby E lived.