Couple Instruct Medical Negligence Lawyers To Help Support Them Through Inquest Process

The grieving parents of a baby girl pronounced dead less than 30 minutes after birth have spoken of how they hope an upcoming inquest will provide them with answers regarding her death.

Fiona Winser-Ramm, then aged 34, and her husband Daniel, then aged 36, from Leeds, were 41 weeks into their first pregnancy when Fiona was booked in for an induced labour.  Hours before the planned induction, her contractions began spontaneously.

Fiona, who lives with polycystic ovarian syndrome, was 11 days over her due date when she was admitted to Leeds General Infirmary on 30 December 2019.

Baby Aliona was delivered by forceps.  She was born in a poor condition and required resuscitation.  She failed to respond and was pronounced dead on 1 January 2020, aged 27 minutes.

Following their daughter’s death, Fiona and Daniel contacted AVMA (Action Against Medical Accidents - the UK charity for patient safety and justice) and were directed to medical negligence experts at Irwin Mitchell to help establish answers and support them through the inquest process.

Expert Opinion

“Both Fiona and Daniel have spent almost three years struggling to come to terms with something that no parent should have to deal with; the loss of their baby girl so suddenly and under such tragic circumstances.

Understandably, they also still have a number of questions and concerns over the care provided prior to them losing Aliona. The lack of answers to date has hampered their ability to grieve for Aliona and increased their worry that, without full consideration of the what happened that day, this could all too easily happen to another family.

While nothing can ever make up for their devastating loss we’re determined to support Fiona and Daniel throughout the inquest to help provide them with all of the answers they deserve.

If, during the course of the hearing, any issues are identified, it’s vital that lessons are learned to improve patient safety.”
Katie Warner, Medical Negligence Lawyer

Fiona and Daniel, now 37 and 39 respectively, met in 2010 and married in 2018.  Fiona worked as a primary school teacher and Daniel was a sports development officer.  Both have struggled to return to work in the aftermath of Aliona’s death.

Fiona said: “When I was 17, I was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome so I always knew that conceiving would be more difficult for me.  But becoming parents was something both Daniel and I wanted more than anything, so we sought help as soon as we got married.

“To our absolute amazement, I fell pregnant naturally.  After spending years caring for other people’s children, I was delighted that I would be able to care for one of my own.

“When Aliona was born, Daniel and I eagerly waited to hear her cry but it never came. We were told she had died and I still remember the gut-wrenching feeling of that moment.

“Since then, it feels like time has stood still for us.  Aliona was the piece to complete our family and we’ll never get over losing her.  We know nothing will ever bring her back and the inquest is going to be difficult, but we have to do this to get the answers we need to honour our baby girl’s memory.”

An inquest into Aliona’s death is due to take place at Wakefield Coroner’s Court from 12 to 14 December.

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in handling medical negligence cases