Family Instruct Expert Medical Negligence Lawyers To Help Secure Maternity Care Answers

Grieving parents whose twins died following an emergency caesarean have spoken for the first time about their devastating loss.  

Siobhan Weir underwent a category one caesarean at the Jessop Wing in Sheffield when 33 weeks pregnant after concerns were raised about the heart rates of her twin boys Harry and Henry Jackson. 

Siobhan, now aged 22, had been admitted to hospital three times in a week complaining of severe vomiting. Shortly before surgery she had been diagnosed with pancreatitis. 

Harry was delivered stillborn. Moments later Henry was born in a poor condition. He died aged six days. 

Sheffield lawyers supporting family following Jessop Wing deaths

Following their deaths, Siobhan and Luke Jackson, 24, of Wadsley, Sheffield, instructed expert medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help secure answers and support them through an inquest process. 

Irwin Mitchell represents a number of families with concerns about the maternity care they received on the Jessop Wing, which is run by Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. 

Inquest into baby Henry Jackson's death

An inquest is now due to take  place into Henry’s death. No inquest will take place into Harry’s death as he was stillborn.

Expert Opinion

“This is a truly tragic case and Siobhan, Luke and the rest of the family, all remain traumatised by their loss.

“Understandably they have a number of concerns and questions about the events that unfolded in the lead up to the deaths of Harry and Henry.

“While nothing can make up for what’s happened we’re determined to provide Siobhan and Luke with the answers they deserve. The inquest into Henry’s death is a major milestone in being able to help the family.

“Sadly through our work we see the catastrophic consequences that families can be left to face following the death of a child and behind each case is a human story of how families have been devastated.

“If during the course of the inquest any issues are identified in the care the family received it’s vital that lessons are learned to improve maternity safety for others.” Rosie Charlton - Senior Associate Solicitor

Baby loss: Sheffield parents' story

Siobhan attended a number of appointments and scans after they found out they were expecting twins.

On June 9, 2021, Siobhan was admitted to the Jessop Wing complaining of vomiting. She was sent home the following day. On 11 June she was re-admitted and allowed home in the early hours of 12 June. 

Siobhan was admitted to hospital for third time on 16 June. Following tests she was diagnosed with pancreatitis. After concerns were raised about her babies’ heart rates she was sent for a caesarean at about 10.30am on 17 June. 

Pair hope for maternity care answers 

Siobhan, a care home worker, said: “We were overjoyed at the prospect of being parents. It was something we’d always wanted and we felt incredibly lucky to be expecting. When we found out it was twins we couldn’t believe it. It made everything even more special. 

“We still can’t really believe what happened and how both Harry and Henry didn’t make it. It’s almost impossible to put into words how difficult it remains trying to come to terms with the death of one child while at the same time trying to spend what little precious time we had with another. 

“Going into hospital expecting twins and not being able to bring them home to start our new lives together is something I don’t think we’ll ever get over.

“Harry and Henry still mean everything to us and there’s not a day goes by that we don’t think of them.” 

Luke, a truck driver , said: “We’d give anything to turn back the clock and for things to be different but we know that’s not possible. 

“We have so many unanswered questions as to what happened and feel we deserve answers to these.

“We know the inquest and listening to the evidence as to what happened is going to be distressing but it’s something we need to do to for our children.”

An inquest into Henry’s death is due to start at Sheffield’s Medico-Legal Centre on Wednesday, 20 July, and is listed for two days.

Find out more about our expertise in supporting families affected by baby loss or birth injury at our dedicated birth injuries section. Alternatively to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.