Hospital cleared over baby death

Brooke Herridge was born prematurely at 27 weeks

A coroner has ruled doctors were not to blame for the death of a two-week-old premature baby who died after the contents of her feeding tube leaked.

Brooke Herridge died 15 days after she and her identical twin sister Mia were born almost three months early.

A coroner ruled doctors at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth had inserted the tube correctly and had provided high-quality care.

Brooke suffered peritonitis after fluid leaked into her liver and abdomen.

They came seeking answers and they've got those answers Sheena Garrett, family solicitor

A Healthcare Commission report had supported the family's claim that a tube supplying her nutrition had been inserted in the wrong place.

However, at the inquest paediatric expert, Professor Peter Fleming, agreed with the doctors who treated Brooke, that the feeding fluid had led to a chemical erosion of the blood vessel it was in, causing it to leak into her liver and abdomen.

The coroner's narrative verdict acknowledged the leakage contributed to Brooke's death, but said her feeding tube had been inserted correctly by doctors.

After the inquest Sheena Garrett, solicitor for Brooke's parents Mark and Becky Herridge, said: "They came seeking answers and they've got those answers... they welcome that the (hospital) trust have implemented changes to their practice within the neonatal intensive care unit."

Dr Julian Eason, from Derriford Hospital, said: "It is always sad when all measures undertaken do not lead to a successful outcome and we would, again, like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family."

He said the hospital had improved guidelines on the use of intravenous catheters, improved record keeping and increased training in X-raying babies.

He said none of the changes would have affected the outcome for Brooke Herridge.