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Coroner calls for changes after death of baby

Tue, 12 Jun 2018

The Coroner of Inquests for the Isle of Man is calling for the Department of Health and Social Care to make a number of changes following the death of a baby.

The nine-month old boy died at the age of nine months after suffering a brain injury through asphyxia at birth.

John Needham told the court that the failures that led to the death amounted to neglect.

The boy was a twin and was born 40 minutes after his sibling, during which time he suffered an acute episode of cerebral hypoxic ischaemia.

Mr Needham said guidelines relating to multiple births weren't followed properly, and that opportunities were missed by the medical team.

The Coroner wants the Department to introduce a checklist for use by staff involved in the labour and delivery of twins, as well as ensuring locum staff have access to hospital policies.

He also wants guidelines to be updated so all deliveries of twins take place in theatre on the labour ward.

Mr Needham added a catch all recommendation, calling for the DHSC to ensure this case isn't forgotten and doesn't happen again regardless of shrinking budgets, cost cutting or staff changes.

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