MSP calls for meeting with health bosses over baby Nevaeh’s death

Tory MSP wants to know what lessons can be learned

An MSP is demanding a meeting with Tayside and Grampian health chiefs after a sheriff’s fatal accident inquiry finding that a Montrose baby could have lived if better care had been provided.

Nevaeh Stewart died shortly after she was born at Montrose Royal Infirmary in September 2012, despite the efforts of midwives and specialists who rushed to her aid from Dundee.

Her parents, Gary and Kimberly, said they will consider the findings of a fatal accident inquiry (FAI) before commenting.

North East Conservative MSP Liam Kerr has called for a sit-down with chief executives of both health authorities to discuss what lessons can be learned.

In his FAI findings, Sheriff Pino di Emidio said the newborn had “languished “at the midwifery unit, receiving only “basic resuscitation” because NHS guidelines would not allow a blue light ambulance to be sent.

He said he considered reasonable precautions could have been taken to avoid Nevaeh’s death and has made a recommendation for greater communication and cooperation between health boards.

Mr Kerr said: “The sheriff has taken his time to deliver a very considered opinion in this very sad case.

“Community midwifery units are safe places to give birth and should be an option for every mother who is judged to be low-risk.

“But the public need to be assured that mums-to-be are given all the information they need to make an informed choice.”

Liam Kerr MSP.