Family Instructs Lawyers At Irwin Mitchell To Investigate Baby’s Care

The mum of a newborn baby is hoping an upcoming inquest will provide vital answers regarding why her son died aged just 23-days-old.

Caliel Smith-Kwami spent several days in the Royal London Hospital’s intensive care unit after suffering low blood sugar levels following his birth on 25 July, 2016.

He was discharged home to Canning Town, East London, with mum Sabreena, on 2 August following treatment.

However, Caliel suffered a cardiac arrest 15 days later – the day Sabreena registered his birth. Despite attempts to resuscitate Caliel, he died that day.

Following her son’s death Sabreena, 26, instructed expert medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate how her son died.

Expert Opinion

Caliel’s death has had a profound effect on Sabreena and all the family who are all still struggling to come to terms with his death.

“The family is now hoping that the inquest will provide them with vital answers regarding Caliel's death.” Jasicca Nava - Solicitor

Caliel was born in a good condition at Barkantine Birth Centre, part of the Royal London Hospital, on 25 July 2016. Following his birth midwifery staff supported Sabreena, giving advice how to feed her son.

However, he was admitted to the Royal London the following day after, during a routine assessment, a midwife found him ‘floppy and cold.’

Tests were carried out and Caliel received treatment. He was deemed healthy enough to be discharged on 2 August.

However, he was readmitted to hospital and died on 17 August, 2016.

Barkantine Birth Centre and the Royal London Hospital are run by Barts Health NHS Trust.

Sabreena said: “Caliel was and still is everything to me and there’s not a day that goes by where I don’t think about him. I still can’t believe he was taken away from me so soon after his birth.

“Although it is going to be heartbreaking having to listen to the evidence as to why my son died I need to know if more could have been done to save his life.

“If the hearing identifies any failings in Caliel's care it’s imperative the hospital trust learns lessons so no other parents have to go through the pain I live with daily since Caliel’s death.”

An inquest is due to take place at Walthamstow Coroner’s Court between 17 and 19 January.

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in handling medical negligence cases.