Midwife struck off for death of baby
In November 2005, baby Lily, daughter of Louise Genery and Dave Baker, died after a midwife failed to notice a drop in Lily’s heartbeat. As a result, Lily was left struggling to survive in her mother’s womb until a caesarean section was ordered some four hours later.
Negligent midwife care
This week a National Midwifery Council hearing took place to assess the actions of Rachel Goode, 52. Ms Goode was accused of causing the death of baby Lily and of causing two other babies to require intensive care treatment. In total Ms Goode faced 40 offences in relation to four cases between 2005 and 2009.
Ms Goode was a senior midwife and was operating at the very highest level of her profession between 2005 and 2009 when the offences were alleged to have occurred.
Midwife struck off
She admitted to some of the offences she was charged with and was struck off the National Midwifery Council register. She cannot reapply for a further five years.
Failure to take prompt action after evidence of meconium and irregular heartbeat
In the case of baby Lily, it was confirmed that the midwife had failed to take swift action after the meconium (the baby’s own waste product) was evident and when the baby showed an irregular heartbeat. Ms Goode had failed to notice a serious problem in the heart monitor of the baby and had not informed any other members of hospital staff of the status of the CTG trace. She had also failed to inform the consultant when Ms Genery’s waters had to be broken manually and when the meconium was evident. Ms Goode had also failed to take adequate notes in respect of the care that was being provided. This was a failing that was relevant to all four cases.
Baby brain injured
Although a caesarean section was carried out, it was too late for baby Lily, and she was born with a substantial brain injury. Two days after the birth, her parents decided to switch off her life support machine.
A representative from the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading, where the events took place, stated that “Ms Goode will no longer work as a midwife within the NHS” but this is of little reassurance to Lily’s parents.
Julie Marsh, medical negligence lawyer as law firm Boyes Turner said "This is a very sad illustration of how substandard midwifery care during labour can result in harm to the baby. If you have experienced a similar event at any hospital, and have been advised that your child sustained an injury as a result, then please contact one of our specialist solicitors who will be able to advise you on bringing a claim for medical negligence."
Click here to read some of our recent settled cases of babies and mothers who have suffered negligent hospital care.
Consistent with our policy when giving comment and advice on a non-specific basis, we cannot assume legal responsibility for the accuracy of any particular statement. In the case of specific problems we recommend that professional advice be sought.
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