03.11.2014
The Stratford Observer reports that between June 2011 and October 2012, Ms Francis put the health and lives of patients in her care at unnecessary risk by failing to carry out procedures to the correct standard.
A panel from the Nursing and Midwifery Council heard how Ms Francis did not properly risk assess Sarah Kunigiski during her pregnancy and failed to notice her baby's heart rate had slowed down in labour.
Mrs Kunigiski's son Daniel was born with a brain injury and tragically passed away several days later, after he was transferred to Coventry's University Hospital
.
Just one week after this incident in 2012, Ms Francis failed to carry out thorough examinations on a newborn after its mother raised concerns regarding its breathing. The baby was later admitted to intensive care with a blood infection, which may have been prevented if Ms Francis had fulfilled her duty of care.
However, this was not the first time the midwife's actions were subject to an official investigation, as she had previously been found to administer a labour-inducing drug incorrectly. Following this, she was placed on a supervised programme, but this was when her later failings occurred, the panel heard.
Explaining the decision to remove her from the register, a spokesperson for the panel commented: "Ms Francis' behaviour was unacceptable and the actions took place over a significant period, both during and immediately after a long period of supervision.
"The panel considered her failings had the potential to put patients at unwarranted risk of harm and to bring the midwife profession into disrepute."
They added there was no regret or remorse shown towards the patients involved, while there were concerns Ms Francis' mistakes could be repeated in the future if she was allowed to continue in the profession.
A Midwife Has Lost Her Job After Several Patients In Her Care Were Placed At Risk
Kay Francis, a midwife at the South Warwickshire Foundation Trust, has been struck off the register following several incidents in which she neglected expectant mothers and their babies.The Stratford Observer reports that between June 2011 and October 2012, Ms Francis put the health and lives of patients in her care at unnecessary risk by failing to carry out procedures to the correct standard.
A panel from the Nursing and Midwifery Council heard how Ms Francis did not properly risk assess Sarah Kunigiski during her pregnancy and failed to notice her baby's heart rate had slowed down in labour.
Mrs Kunigiski's son Daniel was born with a brain injury and tragically passed away several days later, after he was transferred to Coventry's University Hospital
.
Just one week after this incident in 2012, Ms Francis failed to carry out thorough examinations on a newborn after its mother raised concerns regarding its breathing. The baby was later admitted to intensive care with a blood infection, which may have been prevented if Ms Francis had fulfilled her duty of care.
However, this was not the first time the midwife's actions were subject to an official investigation, as she had previously been found to administer a labour-inducing drug incorrectly. Following this, she was placed on a supervised programme, but this was when her later failings occurred, the panel heard.
Explaining the decision to remove her from the register, a spokesperson for the panel commented: "Ms Francis' behaviour was unacceptable and the actions took place over a significant period, both during and immediately after a long period of supervision.
"The panel considered her failings had the potential to put patients at unwarranted risk of harm and to bring the midwife profession into disrepute."
They added there was no regret or remorse shown towards the patients involved, while there were concerns Ms Francis' mistakes could be repeated in the future if she was allowed to continue in the profession.
Expert Opinion
Patient care should always be a top priority and it is extremely worrying that so many expectant mothers and their babies were put at risk in this case. We always welcome swift action by the Nursing and Midwifery Council to stop any incompetent Midwife from practising. <br/> <br/>“It is vital a thorough investigation is carried out into how the health and safety of patients was put at risk for so long, without action being taken to ensure the highest possible standards of care were being upheld.” Mandy Luckman - Partner
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Mandy Luckman
Director of Strategic Growth (Seriously Injured and Vulnerable Audience)
0370 1500 100
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