Reports from the ongoing inquest into baby Olivia’s death have described the circumstances following the admission of Olivia Trupiano’s mother, Ms Newark, to Princess Royal Hospital on 14 September 2024 whilst 34 weeks pregnant. The inquest heard evidence about the care provided during labour and delivery, clinical decision making and sequence of events that have led to baby Olivia’s tragic death.

The inquest heard that Ms Newark was suffering excruciating abdominal pain and low blood pressure and so she attended the hospital, which is part of the University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust and is currently under review by Donna Ockenden as part of the Ockenden Review of maternity services. In the days leading to this, Ms Newark had experienced anaemia, constant nausea and exhaustion as well as stomach and back pain.

Ms Newark reported fainting at home, vomiting and diarrhoea, which the consultant in A&E initially linked to ‘trapped wind’ or ‘colic’ and administered Buscopan and paracetamol. Although she was transferred from A&E to an antenatal unit, Ms Newark was then sent home and told to return the following day.

However, within one hour, her condition deteriorated significantly with reported unbearable pain and episodes of fainting. It then found that Olivia’s heart rate dropped to around 40 beats per minute, resulting in the decision to proceed with an emergency caesarean. It was only in surgery that the surgeons discovered a ruptured splenic artery, resulting in vast internal bleeding. Ms Newark lost approximately 11 litres of blood.

Baby Olivia was born unresponsive and diagnosed with severe hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy, where damage is caused to the brain due to reduced oxygen and/or blood flow. Further tests were performed and it was found that baby Olivia had no detectable brain activity and her ventilator was withdrawn. Sadly, baby Olivia died 5 days after being born.

Ms Newark was not only dealing with the loss of her daughter but was also dealing with her own significant health issues. Following the caesarean, Ms Newark required intensive care, a period in a coma and multiple transfusions. She was in hospital for over a month.

At the inquest, the A&E consultant who assessed Ms Newark stated that there were no signs to suggest internal bleeding when Ms Newark first arrived in spite of splenic artery rupture being typically associated with symptoms including abdominal pain, dizziness/light-headedness, nausea and vomiting, all of which were present in Ms Newark’s case. It was also the case that the general surgeon who operated upon Ms Newark advised at the inquest that he ‘immediately’ suspected rupture.

Olivia’s family strongly feel that vital warning signs were missing that may have led to a better outcome for both Olivia and for Ms Newark.

Maternity Negligence and Birth Injury

Families affected by maternity or neonatal harm may consider a range of options, including exploring a potential clinical negligence claim.

Williamsons Solicitors provides sensitive, trauma-informed support to families navigating maternity negligence and birth injuries. We assist with reviewing medical records, instructing independent medical experts and tailoring legal advice directly to you.

If you or your family have been affected by concerns about maternity care, stillbirth, neonatal death or birth injury, please do not hesitate to contact Williamsons Solicitors for a confidential discussion with our clinical negligence solicitors on 01482 323697. We will listen, explain your options and outline the next steps.