Woman suffers stillbirth of daughter after her vital signs were not checked for nine hours - despite repeated calls for help and pain relief

On 10 June 2020, a woman, who we will call Charlotte, underwent labour induction at the Royal Free Hospital in Camden, London.

Charlotte says that during the induction, she made repeated pleas for pain relief and help which were ignored by the midwife caring for her. Her condition deteriorated and she became feverish, vomited, and had a sense that something was not quite right.

When Charlotte asked for a caesarean section, her request was dismissed without discussion. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Charlotte’s husband and family were not allowed to be with her, and her husband's attempts to get more information were unsuccessful, leading to intervention from their family social worker. 

Charlotte’s vital signs were not monitored for more than nine hours. When they were eventually recorded, Charlotte presented with symptoms of infection and distress. However, escalation to obstetric-led care did not take place.

Over the next few hours, Charlotte continued to deteriorate further with an elevated heart rate and meconium liquor, which is when the fetus passes faeces which stains the amniotic fluid, indicating fetal distress.

When obstetricians arrived, Charlotte was diagnosed with sepsis, and her baby died in while it was still in the womb. Charlotte gave birth vaginally, suffering a second-degree tear and enduring the trauma of delivering her stillborn daughter.

Following the birth, Charlotte was diagnosed with sepsis and later with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) and recurrent depression. Her symptoms have included flashbacks, anxiety, suicidal ideation, insomnia, and physical pain. The psychological impact has affected her ability to bond with her subsequent child, her relationship with her husband, from whom she is now separated, and her capacity to work.

Charlotte was represented in her case by medical negligence partner, Nandi Jordan from law firm Leigh Day. The Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust admitted liability and the case settled for £134,000.

Partner Nandi Jordan said:

“Cases like Charlotte’s serve as a tragic reminder of the maternity crisis in the UK, and the dire consequences those affected face. The compensation will hopefully help Charlotte get her life back on track as she recovers from her trauma, but nothing can ever erase what happened.”