Number of errors played part in death of baby girl, Trust admits
A CATALOGUE of failures contributed to the stillbirth of a baby girl at a Northern Ireland hospital, a landmark inquest has heard.
The Northern Health and Social Care Trust apologised for the death of baby Cara Rocks in June 2013, admitting a number of mistakes had been made.
Barrister David Dunlop told Belfast Coroner’s Court: “It is likely if an elective or emergency c-section had taken place baby Cara would not have been stillborn.”
The hearing, listed for five days, is the first stillbirth inquest in Northern Ireland and follows a Court of Appeal ruling in November 2013.
Coroner Joe McCrisken said the region was “leading the way” in the examination of stillbirth causes.
Cara Rocks died at the Causeway Hospital in Coleraine, Co Londonderry on June 26, 2013.
In a statement, a lawyer for the Northern Trust said it was “accepted” a number of errors had played a part in her death.
These included wrongly categorising Michelle Rocks, who had a previous caesarean section, as “low risk”.
The hormone, Propess was administered to induce labour without the risks being discussed with Mrs Rocks and a recording of baby Cara’s heart rate found it was suspicious, not pathological meaning critical, following induction.
The Trust’s lawyer added: “We wish to express an apology to Mr and Mrs Rocks.
“Obviously this is a tragedy for the family. It is not taken lightly and is recognised by all members of the Trust.”
Opening the case, the coroner cautioned that the fiveday hearing was not a trial.
Mr McCrisken said: “This is a fact finding inquiry. I am not here to attribute any blame or responsibility.”
The case continues.