West Midlands mum almost died after post-birth care delays led to sepsis and perforated bowel

A mum left fighting for her life after giving birth is suing the NHS over claims hospital failings led her to contracting sepsis and a perforated bowel.

Natalie Chubb, 37, needed emergency surgery just days after welcoming her second child into the world after medics failed to act on scan results showing serious bowel complications.

She had fallen seriously unwell just days with severe abdominal swelling and vomiting after giving birth to daughter Brooke by c-section at Good Hope Hospital in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham.

But rather than diagnosing the factory worker with a swollen bowel, medics interpreted the result of a scan as her experiencing a temporary slowing of bowel movements.

Natalie also developed sepsis – where the body attacks itself in response to an infection - before undergoing life-saving surgery, including having part of her bowel removed and a stoma fitted.

The mum-of-two launched legal action against University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, which has now admitted a breach of duty, following her ordeal in January 2023.

The trust acknowledged an earlier diagnosis would have led to treatment sooner and, if needed, surgery at an earlier stage would have had a more positive outcome.

They accepted earlier scan results showed serious bowel swelling and Natalie should have been referred for urgent treatment as her condition worsened, but this did not happen.

Natalie, of Fordbridge, Solihull, is now speaking out to urge hospitals to take mothers' concerns seriously and improve care for women after childbirth.

Natalie, who also has a 15-year-old son, Callum, said: "I knew something wasn’t right after Brooke was born, but it felt like my concerns weren’t being taken seriously.

“My condition got worse over several days. Being told I needed emergency surgery is something I’ll never forget. I was frightened I might die.

“The impact on my life has been huge and I still live with the effects. I continue to struggle with pain, fatigue and digestive problems.

"It’s affected everything from being able to do daily tasks to how I’ve been able to care for Brooke and Callum.

“I just want other women to be listened to and for warning signs after birth not to be missed.

"No one should have to go through what I did after having a baby.

“If my experience helps improve care for even one mum, then it will have been worth it."

She has since had further surgery, including reversal of the stoma and treatment for complications including a hernia and ongoing wound problems.

Jade Elliott-Archer, the specialist medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Natalie, said: "Natalie went through a truly traumatic experience at what should have been one of the happiest times in her life.

"She was left with life-threatening complications which required emergency surgery.

“Our investigations have identified concerning failings in how Natalie’s condition was recognised and responded to as her condition worsened.

“While these admissions provide Natalie with answers she deserves, they also highlight serious concerns about the care women can receive after birth.

“As she continues to come to terms with her ordeal, we’re continuing to support Natalie so she can access the specialist support she needs.

“However, it’s now crucial that lessons are learned to ensure other mums are listened to and receive the safe, timely care they deserve."

A University Hospitals Birmingham spokesperson said: “The Trust is committed to providing safe, high-quality care to all our patients and to learning from when things do not go as expected.

"As legal discussions are ongoing, it would not be appropriate to comment on the detail of the case, however, we are working constructively with Ms Chubb’s representatives."