A DISCIPLINARY hearing into the conduct of two Furness midwives within a scandal-hit maternity unit is underway.

Holly Parkinson, from Furness General Hospital, appeared before a panel hearing of the Nursing and Midwifery Council yesterday accused of failing to provide adequate care to Dalton newborn Joshua Titcombe before his death in 2008.

The allegations include failing to conduct three hourly observations on the tot, of failing to record care given in his mother's patient notes and of failing to refer his low temperature to a doctor.

Her former colleague, Lindsey Biggs, will appear today faced with similar charges.

Their actions are said to have 'significantly reduced' Joshua's chances of survival as he battled against a treatable infection.
The NMC hearing is set to continue until July 5.