Illustrative case story: Neonatal jaundice (NHS Resolution)

Summary

Neonatal jaundice is a common condition in newborn babies which is usually harmless and is resolved within 10-14 days after birth. Some of the symptoms include yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes; this is caused by accumulation of the pigment bilirubin in the skin and mucous membranes. Some babies with jaundice develop high levels of bilirubin and if not treated it is harmful, as it may cause a type of brain damage known as Kernicterus.

This is an illustrative case story based on clinical negligence cases involving neonatal jaundice. The aim is to share the learning from these claims and highlight national guidance. NHS Resolution is sharing this insight to help prevent similar occurrences from happening to babies, their parents and families, and staff.

Content

Below is Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) model analysis relating to this case study.