Express & Star

Coroner: Baby's death was not down to hospital neglect

The death of a two-day-old baby girl on Christmas Eve was not down to neglect from hospital staff, a coroner has ruled, despite 'missed opportunities' to deliver her earlier.

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Ezri Williams was born more than six weeks premature at Walsall Manor Hospital on December 22 but died two days later after efforts to resuscitate her failed.

Her parents, from Masefield Drive in Stafford, had concerns about how the delivery was handled and confirmed they would pursue civil action against the trust.

Following a two-day inquest Black Country Senior Coroner Zafar Siddique concluded Ezri died as a result of a hypoxic brain injury brought on by her mother Vikki Williams suffering appendicitis during the pregnancy.

Coroner Zaffar Siddique

Speaking after the hearing, Mrs Williams, aged 38, told the Express & Star: "It is what we expected really.

"It is probably still too early to get closure. It is very difficult still."

Her husband Justin, 33, added: "We have got some answers, quite a few things have been brought to light that we were misled about at the time."

Dr Arundhati Mulay, clinical director at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, said: "It was felt there were missed opportunities to deliver earlier but we cannot say whether it would have made a difference."

Mr Siddique declared there was no 'direct causal link' to reach a verdict of neglect because there was not enough evidence to pinpoint when Ezri sustained the hypoxic brain injury.

After the hearing Stephen Jones, of Leigh Day solicitors confirmed the couple were now planning to take legal action.

He said: "Vikki and Justin are grateful for the thorough and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of their daughter.

"Their lives have been transformed by what happened and they sincerely hope that lessons have been learnt and that no other parents have to endure the pain and anguish they have had to suffer."

Dr Amir Khan, Medical Director at the trust said: "We would like to offer our sincere condolences to the family of Ezri Williams and appreciate that this is an extremely difficult time for them as they try to come to terms with their loss.

"The Trust always endeavours to provide the highest quality of care to all of its patients and we take all concerns raised very seriously."

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