Menu
21/08/2008
Full Inquiry Demanded Over Baby's Death
Maternity services are in focus this week as a review into maternity services in hospitals within the Northern Trust area has exposed a number of major deficiencies.
However, the mother of a newborn baby boy who died in hospital called instead for a full independent inquiry into the failings instead - specifically into how her son came to die.
The investigation - prompted by the deaths of two mothers and two babies in unrelated incidents - has highlighted several problems, including managerial, staff training and funding issues.
Among the key findings, the team of independent experts from across the UK referred to "an absence of any clear, coherent and agreed strategy for maternity services", adding "this has been the case for several years".
The report also stated "the 'safety culture' is underdeveloped at Antrim and is "at least temporarily limited by staff availability at Causeway".
But, the report stressed that maternity services at both hospitals were "safe" and "would be in the top performing quartile in the UK when viewed against almost all of the recognised major performance indicators."
The Northern Health and Social Care Trust released the findings of the review, which was commissioned as a result of four deaths - yesterday.
However, Olivia Bell isn't happy with the conclusions.
Her son Paul died at Antrim Area Hospital on November 9, 2005, just four days after he was born.
She said that an Inquest into his death was halted for a second time in March this year pending a police investigation into a midwife who allegedly failed to correctly read a foetal heart monitor.
Ms Bell (30) has said that nothing had been learned from their baby's death: "I was very upset at the report," she said. "We feel that it lacks the human touch.
"There was no inquiry after our son died. It's as if our Paul's death has been forgotten.
"The report doesn’t really answer any specific questions and we're very disappointed. It doesn't go far enough. That’s why we want to call for an independent public enquiry into his death," she said.
Recognising that the report unearthed a number of failings in maternity services provided by both Antrim Area and Causeway hospitals, a Northern Health and Social Care Trust spokesman added that the Trust has accepted all the recommendations in full and said that an action plan is being implemented.
(BMcC/NS)
However, the mother of a newborn baby boy who died in hospital called instead for a full independent inquiry into the failings instead - specifically into how her son came to die.
The investigation - prompted by the deaths of two mothers and two babies in unrelated incidents - has highlighted several problems, including managerial, staff training and funding issues.
Among the key findings, the team of independent experts from across the UK referred to "an absence of any clear, coherent and agreed strategy for maternity services", adding "this has been the case for several years".
The report also stated "the 'safety culture' is underdeveloped at Antrim and is "at least temporarily limited by staff availability at Causeway".
But, the report stressed that maternity services at both hospitals were "safe" and "would be in the top performing quartile in the UK when viewed against almost all of the recognised major performance indicators."
The Northern Health and Social Care Trust released the findings of the review, which was commissioned as a result of four deaths - yesterday.
However, Olivia Bell isn't happy with the conclusions.
Her son Paul died at Antrim Area Hospital on November 9, 2005, just four days after he was born.
She said that an Inquest into his death was halted for a second time in March this year pending a police investigation into a midwife who allegedly failed to correctly read a foetal heart monitor.
Ms Bell (30) has said that nothing had been learned from their baby's death: "I was very upset at the report," she said. "We feel that it lacks the human touch.
"There was no inquiry after our son died. It's as if our Paul's death has been forgotten.
"The report doesn’t really answer any specific questions and we're very disappointed. It doesn't go far enough. That’s why we want to call for an independent public enquiry into his death," she said.
Recognising that the report unearthed a number of failings in maternity services provided by both Antrim Area and Causeway hospitals, a Northern Health and Social Care Trust spokesman added that the Trust has accepted all the recommendations in full and said that an action plan is being implemented.
(BMcC/NS)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 June 2001
ACUTE HOSPITALS REVIEW GROUP SUBMITS REPORT
THE long awaited report from the Acute Hospitals Review Group, published this week, has proposed a radical shake up to Northern Ireland’s existing emergency hospital structures. The report, compiled by Dr Maurice Hayes, recommends a number of radical changes and sets out a vision of where the health service might be in 15 or 20 years time.
ACUTE HOSPITALS REVIEW GROUP SUBMITS REPORT
THE long awaited report from the Acute Hospitals Review Group, published this week, has proposed a radical shake up to Northern Ireland’s existing emergency hospital structures. The report, compiled by Dr Maurice Hayes, recommends a number of radical changes and sets out a vision of where the health service might be in 15 or 20 years time.
16 August 2022
SDLP Calls For Overhaul Of Maternity Benefits
The SDLP has called for an overhaul of the provision of maternity benefits available in Northern Ireland. Communities Spokesperson Mark H Durkan has raised specific concerns around the different policies applied to Maternity Allowance and Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) for Universal Credit (UC) claimants.
SDLP Calls For Overhaul Of Maternity Benefits
The SDLP has called for an overhaul of the provision of maternity benefits available in Northern Ireland. Communities Spokesperson Mark H Durkan has raised specific concerns around the different policies applied to Maternity Allowance and Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) for Universal Credit (UC) claimants.
21 July 2003
New regional maternity hospital to be complete by 2010
The new regional maternity hospital is not expected to be up and running until the end of the decade, DUP Health Spokesperson, Iris Robinson has said. Mrs Robinson said news of the new unit was confirmed to her after questioning local Health Minister Angela Smith in the House of Commons.
New regional maternity hospital to be complete by 2010
The new regional maternity hospital is not expected to be up and running until the end of the decade, DUP Health Spokesperson, Iris Robinson has said. Mrs Robinson said news of the new unit was confirmed to her after questioning local Health Minister Angela Smith in the House of Commons.
31 October 2019
SF: PSNI Failing Families Of Troubles Victims
Sinn Fein has accused the PSNI of continually failing the families of Troubles victims after it emerged that reports into three deaths will be delayed.
SF: PSNI Failing Families Of Troubles Victims
Sinn Fein has accused the PSNI of continually failing the families of Troubles victims after it emerged that reports into three deaths will be delayed.
19 July 2018
Belfast And L'Derry Have Highest Premature Death Rates
The SDLP has hit out after it was revealed that deprived areas in Belfast and L'Derry have the highest premature death rates. SDLP Social Justice spokesperson Nichola Mallon said the "most vulnerable in our society are being failed". She also called for a standalone Anti-Poverty Strategy.
Belfast And L'Derry Have Highest Premature Death Rates
The SDLP has hit out after it was revealed that deprived areas in Belfast and L'Derry have the highest premature death rates. SDLP Social Justice spokesperson Nichola Mallon said the "most vulnerable in our society are being failed". She also called for a standalone Anti-Poverty Strategy.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
