Hyndman-Stewart, Inquest into the death of [2019] NICoroner 2 (07 March 2019)

Hyndman-Stewart, Inquest into the death of [2019] NICoroner 2 (07 March 2019)

The misclassification of CTGs on 31st August 2014 represented a loss of opportunity in respect of the care of baby Clara, but did not affect the outcome. On the balance of probabilities, even if baby Clara had been delivered early on 31st August, the outcome would have been the same due to advanced intrauterine infection. The management on 27th August was appropriate and there were no indicators necessitating delivery at that time. Failure to risk assess for high BMI and provide aspirin or vitamin D did not affect the outcome.

Citation
[2019] NICoroner 2
Parties
Deceased: Clara Rose Hyndman-Stewart (deceased); Mother: Mrs Hyndman-Stewart; Father: Mr Hyndman-Stewart
Jurisdiction
Northern Ireland
Judgment Date
07 March 2019
Procedural Posture
Inquest / Final Judgment
Outcome
death due to intrauterine infection; no causative fault found in medical management
Legal Topics
Stillbirth, Intrauterine Infection, Obstetric Care, Clinical Risk Assessment, Group B Streptococcus, BMI in Pregnancy, CTG Interpretation, Hospital Policy
Medical Law Coroners Law Stillbirth Intrauterine Infection Obstetric Care Clinical Risk Assessment Group B Streptococcus BMI in Pregnancy +2 more

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Parties

Clara Rose Hyndman-Stewart (deceased)

Deceased

Mrs Hyndman-Stewart

Mother

Mr Hyndman-Stewart

Father

Procedural Posture

Inquest / Final Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Was the medical management of Mrs Hyndman-Stewart appropriate?
  2. 2 Did misclassification of CTGs affect the outcome?
  3. 3 Were Trust policies and procedures adequate?

Ratio Decidendi

The misclassification of CTGs on 31st August 2014 represented a loss of opportunity in respect of the care of baby Clara, but did not affect the outcome. On the balance of probabilities, even if baby Clara had been delivered early on 31st August, the outcome would have been the same due to advanced intrauterine infection. The management on 27th August was appropriate and there were no indicators necessitating delivery at that time. Failure to risk assess for high BMI and provide aspirin or vitamin D did not affect the outcome.

Court Disposition

death due to intrauterine infection; no causative fault found in medical management

Orders

  • Death recorded as stillbirth due to intrauterine infection (Group B Streptococcus).
  • Recommendation for improved training in CTG interpretation and Dawes Redman Criteria.