Couple blame forceps birth for baby's death

Published on Monday 7 September 2009 21:52

AN investigation has been launched after a three-day-old baby died after receiving spinal injuries.

The baby's parents believe their daughter, Alexandra, died from an injury inflicted due to the use of forceps during her birth at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

They have lodged a complaint to NHS Lothian, claiming their requests for a caesarean section were refused.

Health chiefs and the procurator-fiscal are investigating, but insist this is standard procedure and that the death was a "terrible tragedy".

There is no suggestion of any negligence by hospital staff.

The Edinburgh couple said the experience was "beyond their worst nightmares".

The baby's mother, 32, said: "If this was the safest way to deliver our child, then why is she dead? How can a baby die in a leading teaching hospital?"

The couple believe a caesarean birth would have saved their daughter's life, as they think she was too big to be delivered naturally by her mother, who is just 5ft 2in tall. Alexandra was born weighing 9lb 5oz.

The mother was admitted to Simpson's Maternity Unit at the hospital in June, 14 days over her due date. Alexandra, conceived via IVF treatment, had been the couple's only surviving embryo.

Dr David Farquharson, consultant gynaecologist and clinical director for women's services with NHS Lothian, said a standard inquiry into the case was under way.

He said: "This tragic death is being investigated by the procurator-fiscal as part of the routine procedures for a death in hospital, while our own rigorous internal review, which is also standard procedure in such circumstances, is nearing completion."