Sheriff concerned over health board’s ‘total silence’ following death of baby

A health board’s “total silence” over the death of a baby has prompted concern from a sheriff conducting a fatal accident inquiry (FAI) into the incident, The Courier reports.

Neveah Stewart died just over three hours after being born on September 30 2012, despite specialists’ efforts to save her at an Angus maternity unit.

Forfar Sheriff Court is undertaking an FAI into Neveah’s death.

Sheriff Pino Di Emidio told the FAI he may write to NHS Grampian, who handled obstetric care as a result of its failure to participate since the first significant clinical event analysis.

The inquiry heard that Neveah’s mother, Kimberly Stewart, told midwives she had discovered a “clot” in July 2012. Experts at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI) were informed of this.

However, Mrs Stewart’s was considered a “low-risk” pregnancy and it was decided during a phone call she would not be admitted to a ward at 28 weeks.

Midwifery expert Dr Julia Sanders, from Cardiff University, said the decision would have rested with a consultant.

“It is possible there may have been a conversation where a review is not required, but not if clots had been mentioned,” she said.

But the FAI heard there was no record of a phonecall.

Sheriff Di Emidio also expressed concern that electrocardiograph results sent to ARI the day before the birth received no response.

Sheriff Di Emidio said: “This is another case in which the absence of information from Grampian is a difficulty here.

“There’s been absolute silence here.”