This video illustrates some of the issues that can arise when a witness is poorly prepared.
The film illustrates some of the issues that can arise when a witness is poorly prepared.
It also highlights the problems caused by a failure to follow guidelines during the early stages of labour and confusion caused by a variation in the approach taken by clinicians to interpret the CTG.
Errors made during fetal monitoring remains a key feature of the claims and inquest landscape and is another issue highlighted by the Ockenden Report, with a requirement for Trusts to appoint a dedicated Lead Midwife and Lead Obstetrician both with demonstrated expertise to focus on and champion best practice in fetal monitoring.
Learning from claims often focuses on individual error in relation to the interpretation of the CTG but common themes include staff, or groups of staff, using a CTG categorisation or interpretation tool which is not in line with Trust guidelines. It is vital that all staff are properly trained and understand the importance of using a consistent categorisation tool and a systematic approach to CTG interpretation that is in line with local and national guidance. As highlighted in the Ockenden report, any deviations to this must be agreed within a multidisciplinary framework.
On Saturday 15 October a wave of light swept the internet when thousands of people flooded social media with pictures of candles to remember the babies that they have lost. This event signifies the end of Baby Loss Awareness Week which aims to break the silence that is associated with baby loss in pregnancy and infancy.
HSIB published its report on Maternal deaths during the first wave of COVID-19. The report takes a closer look at the impact that COVID-19 had during the initial period of March to May 2020.
The much anticipated final Ockenden report was published on 30 March 2020. The final report sets out the findings of the review into care provided to 1,486 families, and sets out a blueprint for safe maternity care.
Consent is often a key issue in obstetric claims and if it is relevant to the facts of the death, its likely to be an area explored by a coroner.
This video illustrates some of the issues that can arise when a witness is poorly prepared.
This film highlights the importance of creating an open and transparent culture where staff feel able to speak up will help Trusts to identify problematic practise before significant issues arise.
Lockdown restrictions in March 2020 led to many inquest hearings being postponed. As restrictions eased, Coroners came under increasing pressure to reduce the number of delayed inquest hearings. In June 2020, the Chief Coroner issued Guidance No. 38 to facilitate remote participation in coroner’s inquests.
