Morton, Re Inquest into the death of [2019] NICoroner 5 (04 April 2019)

Morton, Re Inquest into the death of [2019] NICoroner 5 (04 April 2019)

Miss Morton should have been placed on a Consultant led pathway due to her risk factors; failure to do so and missed opportunities in antenatal care represented a loss of opportunity in respect of the care and treatment of the deceased, but placental abruption was unforeseeable and could not have been prevented.

Citation
[2019] NICoroner 5
Parties
Deceased: Karl Lee Morton; Mother/next of Kin: Sarah Morton; Healthcare Provider: Western Health & Social Care Trust
Jurisdiction
Northern Ireland
Judgment Date
04 April 2019
Procedural Posture
Inquest / Judgment
Outcome
Findings of loss of opportunity in care and treatment; placental abruption unforeseeable; recommendations for improved practice.
Legal Topics
Stillbirth, Clinical Pathway, Loss of Opportunity, Medical Negligence, Placental Abruption, Antenatal Care
Medical Law Coroners Law Stillbirth Clinical Pathway Loss of Opportunity Medical Negligence Placental Abruption Antenatal Care

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Parties

Karl Lee Morton

Deceased

Sarah Morton

Mother/next of Kin

Western Health & Social Care Trust

Healthcare Provider

Procedural Posture

Inquest / Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the deceased should have been placed on a Consultant led pathway
  2. 2 Whether failures in antenatal care represented a loss of opportunity
  3. 3 Whether placental abruption was foreseeable or preventable

Ratio Decidendi

Miss Morton should have been placed on a Consultant led pathway due to her risk factors; failure to do so and missed opportunities in antenatal care represented a loss of opportunity in respect of the care and treatment of the deceased, but placental abruption was unforeseeable and could not have been prevented.

Court Disposition

Findings of loss of opportunity in care and treatment; placental abruption unforeseeable; recommendations for improved practice.

Orders

  • Commendation of revised policy for pregnant women attending A&E.
  • Recommendation for inclusion of all medical attendances in maternity folders.