Inquest to be held over baby death after C-section

There were missed opportunities for "senior oversight" in the case of a baby who died three days after an emergency caesarean delivery, a coroner heard.

Emmy Russo was born at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow on 9 January, before being resuscitated and moved to the neonatal unit.

An MRI scan established she likely suffered a severe brain injury, while an examination of the placenta showed possible exposure to meconium.

A short pre-inquest review hearing was held at the Essex coroner's court in Chelmsford.

Assistant coroner for Essex, Thea Wilson, was told how an NHS maternity and newborn safety investigation concluded there was "an absence of a clear escalation pathway" in Emmy's care.

The "usual clinical examinations" had also not been used, the coroner was told.

It was also noted that the standard operating procedure had expired and the method of escalating concerns, therefore, may no longer have been effective.

While in maternity triage at the hospital, meanwhile, it was also said that Emmy's mother received an "incomplete risk assessment" prior to giving birth.

Ms Wilson said: "It’s undoubtedly the case Emmy was born with a brain injury - I don't think there’s any question she suffered the injury after and during the neonatal period.

"So this focusses on what stage during the labour did Emmy's state deteriorate and what state she could have been born in, without injury or lesser injuries."

Emmy died on 12 January at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge. A full inquest hearing, due to last at least two days, is scheduled for 24 March.

The hearing was attended by Emmy’s parents, who have concerns regarding the antenatal care provided and the management of her delivery.

The family’s legal team and a representative from the Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust were also present.

Addressing Mr and Mrs Russo, Ms Wilson said: "Can I start by saying how very sorry I was to read about the death of your daughter in these circumstances."

Mrs Wilson decided a jury would not be required for the inquest.

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