Hospital liable for baby's death

Swansea NHS Trust runs Singleton Hospital in Swansea

An NHS Trust has admitted liability for the death of a baby after a 20-hour labour.

Conner O'Sullivan died at Singleton Hospital in Swansea in December 2001 from a lack of oxygen.

I did everything I could - I've never seen a delivery as difficult as this

Midwife Rhian Thomas

An inquest in the city on Tuesday found that the baby had died accidentally, after doctors delayed performing a Caesarean section.

Swansea and Gower coroner Richard Morgan recorded a verdict of accidental death on the baby.

The inquest heard Mrs O'Sullivan, a 33-year-old civil servant, had been in labour for more than 20 hours when Conner suffered perinatal asphyxia.

After the inquest, Paul Bennet, who represented Mr and Mrs O'Sullivan, said: "Swansea NHS Trust have admitted liability for this avoidable, tragic incident."

The hospital has made changes to its procedures

The couple, of Factory Road, Clydach, were described by Mr Bennet as relieved at the outcome after the distressing loss of their first child.

"Discussions over compensation are continuing and, in the light of this, we do not anticipate proceedings will be necessary," he added.

Dr Lisa Jones, the consultant gynaecologist present at the birth, told the coroner, "During the birth I think there were certainly a number of missed opportunities.

"There were a number of occasions when a reasonable body of medical opinion would have said 'yes' and gone ahead with a caesarean section. Instead there was a delay."

Dr Jones was on her way home after her shift had finished when she received an emergency call to attend Conner's birth.

'Prolonged birth'

"We have made very important changes in the light of this case and there have been good and valuable lessons learned from this to bring out the educational aspects and devise better procedures," she said.

Mrs O'Sullivan had been admitted to hospital in the early hours of 6 December, 2001.

Conner was not born until 1212 GMT the next day, weighing about 10lbs.

Consultant paediatrician Dr Edgar Lazda said, "His size and weight were well above average. He was a large baby considering the gestation period of 41 weeks.

"This, with a prolonged birth, might have been contributing factors."

Post mortem

Midwife Rhian Thomas said, "The baby was delivered with extreme difficulty.

"The situation wasn't untoward but we weren't getting anywhere. I did everything I could. I've never seen a delivery as difficult as this."

A post mortem examination showed large areas of haemorrhaging in the heart and lung areas, fractured bones and an infection in the placenta.