When the deceased mother (“D”) went into labour she had had an uncomplicated pregnancy but had been previously assessed to be a high risk patient. However, there was a delay of approximately two hours and 35 minutes before a caesarean section delivery was carried out. At delivery she suffered from a haemorrhage, as well as infection. D's condition deteriorated and she died a few hours after the delivery of her baby.
In respect of the claim, the Hospital accepted that D's condition should have been reviewed by an obstetric consultant prior to the delivery. Also, that a consultant in intensive care should have attended D when she was transferred to the intensive care unit. An earlier visit by an ITU Consultant would have led to a more effective treatment approach which would have prevented D's death.