Inquest opened into tragic death of baby Emily, born 15 weeks premature

AN inquest has opened into the death of a an “extremely prematurely” born baby who tragically died at just 12 days old.

Emily Cox was born at Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital in Hammersmith on February 24 after just 25 weeks gestation – around 15 weeks premature.

She received ongoing care at the hospital, but began suffering ill health that led to her death on March 8.

An inquest into her death was opened and adjourned by Area Coroner Lydia Brown at West London Coroner’s Court on Thursday (April 1).

She said: “She was born on

February 24 and died on March 8 in Queen Charlotte and Chelsea Hospital. The family is from Hemel Hempstead.

“She was born at extreme prematurity 25 weeks. Her mother was in severe pre-eclampsia.

“During her ongoing care, on March 8, she began suffering tension pneumothorax, which led to cardio respiratory arrest.

“Her cause of death is given as 1A Tension Pneumothorax during intubation, 1B Extreme Prematurity and Intrauterine Growth Restriction and 1C eclampsia.

“She was identified by her mother, who confirmed her daughter was 12 days old.”

The court heard how Emily’s mother was an accountant and her father a retail manager before Ms Brown adjourned the inquest.

Reports have been requested from a number of agencies, including Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital, to further establish the circumstances around the death.

The inquest will be reviewed in three months’ time at a date still to be set.

IF you would like to contribute towards a tribute article in Emily’s memory, please email jamie.phillips@reachplc.com.