Hearing Set To Be Held At Wakefield Coroners Court From October 14

A Wakefield woman who was left devastated following the death of her baby daughter has revealed her hope that an upcoming inquest will finally provide long-awaited answers regarding what happened.

Belinda Diamond, 38, became pregnant with her daughter Amelia in November 2016.

Belinda said she had been informed during her pregnancy that she had a distended aorta (enlarged artery which is attached to the heart) but was advised that this was nothing to worry about and would be treated after she had given birth to her daughter.

In the following months she began to develop a range of worrying symptoms including breathlessness, fatigue, and pain between her shoulder blades and in her throat.

She attended Leeds General Infirmary on 8 June 2017, and following an appointment with her consultant obstetrician on 12 June, Belinda was booked in for an elective caesarean section for two weeks later.

However, on 13 June, she collapsed at home with a ruptured aorta and was rushed by ambulance to Leeds General Infirmary for treatment.

Despite an emergency caesarean section, Amelia was born in a very poor condition and sadly passed away a day later.

Now, with an inquest set to be held at Wakefield Coroners Court from 14 October to examine the circumstances surrounding Amelia’s death, Belinda has revealed her hope that lessons will be learned from what happened.

She will be represented by Irwin Mitchell during the process.

Expert Opinion

"Our client remains understandably devastated by the loss of her daughter and continues to hold many questions regarding whether more could have been done to prevent it.

We are hopeful that this inquest will go some way to providing her with the answers she deserves, as well as highlighting how lessons could potentially be learned to prevent similar issues arising with other patients in the future.

We are determined to support Belinda in any way we can and hope that this hearing may ultimately lead to improvements around patient safety – an issue which should always be a fundamental priority for the NHS.”
Margaret Ryan - Partner

Belinda added: “Losing Amelia was simply devastating for the entire family and two years on we are still trying to ultimately come to terms with what happened. Not a day goes by when I do not think about her and it is very difficult still holding on to so many questions.

“While nothing will change what has happened to Amelia, I hope that this inquest will provide answers and also potentially some indication on what can be done to learn from this. Ultimately, I hope steps can be taken to prevent any other family going through what we have.”

The inquest will take place at Wakefield Coroners Court from 14 October and is expected to last for three days.

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