Last updated at 10:33, Wednesday, 18 April 2012

AN inquest has opened into the death of a baby who died the day she was born at Furness General Hospital.

Kelly Hine, 21, was admitted to FGH on April 2 last year, having visited the hospital twice that day. Miss Hine gave birth to a daughter, Amelia Jade Bower, at 12.15am on April 3 after an emergency caesarean, but the newborn died later that day. 

Speaking for Miss Hine and her partner, 21-year-old Carl Bower, Julia Hurstfield, a partner and specialist in clinical negligence at Manchester law firm Pannone, said, “Kelly, Carl and their families are looking for answers as to what happened during and after baby Amelia’s birth.”

This morning, the inquest heard from Miss Hine, as well as the three midwives who saw her that day - Sally Baskett, Ayshea Kitchin and sister Heather McLeese.

Evidence was also given by non-clinical support worker, Caroline Ellis, who was working on the labour ward when Miss Hine was admitted.

Following Miss Hine's evidence, a statement was read from the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Furness General.

Reading it, the trust's counsel said: "I would like to offer the family our unreserved apology for the standard of paediatric treatment Amelia received.

"Our hearts go out to them, as we know how difficult the last year has been.

"We have invited the family to meet us following this inquest, to answer any further questions they may have, and when, and only when, they are ready, we hope this is something they feel able to do."

First published at 13:44, Tuesday, 17 April 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk