Hove mum Gemma Robins died weeks after giving birth following missed chance to investigate dangerous pregnancy condition, inquest concludes

Senior Coroner for West Sussex, Brighton and Hove, Penelope Schofield, found further tests should have been carried out at the antenatal appointment and that blood tests may have shown abnormal liver function and led to Gemma being admitted to hospital earlier, although she could not say whether this would have prevented her death.

The coroner concluded Gemma died from natural causes after multi-organ failure, severe acute necrotising pancreatitis, a life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas, and Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy (AFLP), a rare, serious liver condition.

The full inquest was held over five days at Horsham Coroner's Court from Monday 29 June and concluded on Monday 6 July 2026. It heard evidence from Gemma’s family, treating clinicians and independent expert witnesses in obstetrics and maternal medicine.

Gemma was a data analyst and first-time mother. Her family described her as loyal, protective and caring, with a big heart, a sharp sense of humour and a love of animals, Disney movies, music, fashion and shopping.

The inquest heard Gemma had suffered hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of pregnancy sickness. At her final antenatal appointment at 36+3 weeks on Tuesday 23 April 2024, she had raised blood pressure, and a scan showed her baby’s growth had slowed. Gemma’s family also told the court that at the appointment she reported feeling a lack of movements from her baby. The court was told urine was not tested for protein, a warning sign for pre-eclampsia, and her blood pressure test was not repeated.

Two days later, at around 2:30am, Gemma was admitted to Worthing Hospital seriously unwell, with severely abnormal liver and kidney results. Her daughter was born by emergency caesarean section at 6.47am on 25 April 2024 in very poor condition.

Gemma was transferred to the ICU at Royal Sussex Hospital, Brighton, on 26 April 2024.

Gemma remained critically ill in intensive care and was later diagnosed with necrotising pancreatitis after a scan showed major swelling of the pancreas and tissue death. She also developed sepsis, liver dysfunction, kidney injury and problems with her caesarean section wound.

On Tuesday 4 June, Gemma developed internal bleeding. After delays caused by poor communications between the staff at the Royal Sussex Hospital and the specialist team at the Royal Surrey County Hospital who were advising on Gemma’s treatment, Gemma had splenic artery embolisation, a procedure to block the bleeding vessel, and was transferred to the Royal Surrey County Hospital in Guildford.

At Guildford, Gemma underwent emergency surgery, but doctors later concluded there were no further surgical options.

Gemma died on Thursday 13 June 2024, with her mum and aunt by her side.

Gemma’s family are represented by Meg George, a solicitor from the medical negligence team at law firm Leigh Day.

Gemma's parents, Paul and Liza Robins have issued a joint statement and said:

“Gemma was our beautiful daughter and had she been given the chance we are sure she would have made an incredible mother. She brought so much warmth, laughter and kindness into the lives of everyone who knew her. Family and friends meant everything to her, and she was the sort of person who would always be there when someone needed help or support.

“Gemma had a brilliant sense of humour and an ability to make people laugh without even trying. She loved animals, music, Disney and spending time with the people she cared about. Those everyday memories are incredibly precious to us now.

“Nothing made Gemma happier than preparing for the arrival of her baby. Despite how difficult her pregnancy became because of the constant sickness she experienced, she stayed excited about the future and spent months planning for motherhood. She talked about all the things she hoped to do with her daughter and the memories they would make together.

“Losing Gemma has left a void in our family that can never be filled. We have been robbed of so many moments that should have been shared with her, and her daughter has been robbed of the opportunity to grow up knowing what an amazing mum she would have been.

“The inquest has been incredibly painful, but it was important Gemma’s care was fully examined. We hope the findings lead to meaningful lessons being learned so that women who raise concerns during pregnancy, or who show potential signs of serious complications, are properly listened to, thoroughly assessed and given the care they need.”

Leigh Day solicitor Meg George said:

“Gemma’s death was a tragedy for her family, who have lost a much-loved daughter, partner, sister and new mother.

“The coroner recognised that at Gemma’s final antenatal appointment there was a missed opportunity to investigate possible pre-eclampsia.

"The coroner also recognised that Gemma was not provided appropriate safety-netting advice at this appointment, which is an important aspect of antenatal care. It is so important for expectant parents to be provided with information about what to look out for so that they can take informed and meaningful action if they experience unexpected symptoms, and seek timely medical advice or assistance when concerns arise.

“The inquest heard evidence that Gemma was suffering from Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy (AFLP) which is a rare but incredibly dangerous condition. Gemma’s family hope that in future the condition can be better understood by both medical professionals and patients, so that it can be recognised and treated at the earliest possible opportunity, helping to prevent other families from experiencing a similar tragedy."

Leigh Day instructed Jo Moore of 1 Crown Office Row as counsel.