02.07.2024

Mum And Dad Instruct Medical Negligence Lawyers To Establish Answers At Hearing

The parents of a baby boy who died one day after being born have spoken of their ‘heartbreaking’ loss and their hope an upcoming inquest will provide answers.

Amelia Bradley attended Kings Mill Hospital in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, on 13 September, 2023, after her contractions started. She waited for over an hour to be seen, before being administered pain relief and underwent a sweep, before being discharged from hospital to continue with a home birth as planned.

In the early hours of the next morning, Amelia, aged 26, began passing blood and experiencing unbearable pain. She returned to hospital again with her partner Luke, aged 26, and her mum Tammy, aged 46, around 1am on 14 September. 

Baby Theo starved of oxygen during birth at Kings Mill Hospital

After waiting around 40 minutes to be assessed, their first child, baby Theo Bradley, was born by emergency Caesarean section around one hour later. He had been starved of oxygen and suffered a brain injury. 

Theo was transferred to a specialist neo-natal intensive care unit at another hospital for treatment. He died the following day.

Kirkby-in-Ashfield couple asks medical negligence lawyers to secure answers 

Following their son’s death, Amelia and Luke, from Kirkby-in-Ashfield, instructed expert medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate and secure answers at an inquest.

Laura Robinson is the specialist medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Amelia and Luke.

Expert Opinion

“Losing Theo so tragically and unexpectedly has devastated Amelia, Luke and the rest of their family.

“The last few months and trying to come to terms with the events that unfolded and how what should have been such a joyous time turned to heartbreak, has been incredibly tough for them.

“Understandably, Amelia and Luke continue to have a number of questions and concerns over what happened in the lead up to Theo’s death.

“While nothing can ever change what happened to bring Theo back, the inquest is a major milestone in being able to provide the family with the answers they deserve.

“If, during the course of the inquest, any issues are identified in the care provided to Theo or Amelia prior to his birth, it’s vital that lessons are learned to improve maternity safety.” Laura Robinson

Following Theo’s delivery and subsequent hospital transfer, Amelia, an admin manager and Luke, who is self-employed, were told he was too poorly for further treatment.  

He passed away in his parents’ arms on 15 September, 2023.

 

Theo's mum Amelia reveals heartbreak of losing son and hope that inquest will provide answers

Amelia said: “We were so excited to become parents and couldn’t wait to meet our little man.  My pregnancy progressed uneventfully so I decided on a home birth so Theo could be born where he was going to grow up.

“However, that changed when I went into labour and Theo had to be born by C-section. We had to wait hours before we finally got to meet Theo as he was transferred to the NICU. He arrived with ginger hair and blue eyes, like me, but he also looked so much like Luke. We were so happy that he was finally here.

“The happiness was short-lived though when we were told of Theo’s condition. He died the day after, just one-day-old, and in that time he had endured so much more than any baby should ever have to.

“Now, we must live every day without our son and the pain and grief we feel is just as raw as it was back then. Christmas was particularly difficult and seeing our friends and families enjoy time with their children was heartbreaking. It was difficult not to think that Theo should also have been there.

“Every day since losing Theo, we’ve wondered if more could have been done to save him.  While the inquest and having to relive everything again is going to be tough, it’s something we need to do to honour our son and get the answers we deserve.”

An inquest into Theo’s death will begin at The Council House, Old Market Square, Nottingham, NG1 2DT on 3 July. It is scheduled to last three days.

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