Stillbirth – Case at Bath Royal United Hospital

Williamsons Solicitors have expertise in dealing with cases relating to Stillbirths and Neonatal Deaths as a result of negligent treatment. Wayne Walker, Solicitor within our Clinical Negligence Department has vast experience with such cases and he has acted on a number of cases which are very delicate and sensitive in nature.

A Recent press articles (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-45436233). Ms Matthews was 29 weeks pregnant when she contacted Bath’s Royal United Hospital (RUH). She was told to visit a birth centre where investigations showing her baby had a low heart rate were faxed to the RUH.

Ms Matthews was sent home but the next day there was no heartbeat and her son was stillborn a few days later.  Ms Matthews and her partner Carmine Lane, are now pursuing a clinical negligence claim against the trust.

She said: “Why didn’t we follow our own instincts and just go to Bath anyway, then it would have been harder for them to ignore us?”

This is a story that is repeated throughout the UK. Expectant mothers showing, and reporting, concerns that there are issues with their unborn child. These concerns are not taken seriously which leads to the death of the unborn child.

A support network for people who experience Stillbirth’s and Neonatal Deaths can contact SANDS which is there to support bereaved families after such an event. More information on the assistance SANDS offers can be found here (https://www.uk-sands.org/).

If you require any further information about Still Births or Neonatal Deaths, please contact our Clinical Negligence Department who are there to support you through this difficult time.

More can be found on the story here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-45436233