I wanted answers from health chiefs, says mum
A MUM whose baby died after an NHS blunder has slammed an offer of just £10,000 compensation.
Jennifer Kennedy’s son Elijah died at just five months old in 2011.
He had been starved of oxygen after a Caesarean delivery was delayed despite his mother’s pleas.
A fatal accident inquiry two years ago found the tragic baby could have survived had doctors at Crosshouse Hospital in Ayrshire acted quicker.
Instead, his mother’s uterus ruptured and he was born needing round-theclock care.
Jennifer, 48, from Kilmarnock, who had miscarried twice before, told the inquiry she begged to have a Caesarean, but was “shoved to the side”.
Now after a civil legal battle, NHS Ayrshire & Arran are understood to have offered £10,000 to settle Jennifer’s civil claim out of court.
Jennifer said: “I don’t think it represents justice, I wanted a court date and for these people to have to explain themselves.
“I am waiting to talk to my lawyers to decide what we can do.
“The whole thing has been a nightmare from start to finish. What I really want are answers as to how this was allowed to happen.
“You never get over losing a child and the thought that it could have been avoided is awful.
“The least you would expect is that people accept and learn from their mistakes, rather than hide from them.”
A probe by NHS Ayrshire & Arran found that better management of Jennifer’s labour “may have resulted in a different outcome”.
System breakdowns and poor communication between maternity unit staff were found to have been contributory factors.
When asked about an offer to settle Jennifer’s case out of court, a spokeswoman for NHS Ayrshire & Arran would not confirm details.
She said: “The matter is with solicitors for both parties and therefore we cannot comment further.”
The case raised concerns about Crosshouse Hospital and it emerged there had been at least six “avoidable deaths” of babies since 2008.
Earlier this year a report highlighted concerns about staff shortages impacting on patient care, although it praised staff at the hospital for their professionalism.
It also revealed a senior health board manager had warned sickness, absence and maternity leave were having an impact on their ability to “provide effective and safe care for women, children and neonates”.