Mother Told to Book Appointment to Give Birth to Stillborn Baby

Danielle Brown, a 31-year-old mother from North Tyneside, was told to book an appointment to deliver her stillborn daughter, Maisie, after being discharged from the hospital despite concerns about pre-eclampsia. Brown, seven months pregnant, initially received a diagnosis of pre-eclampsia and concerns about Maisie’s heart rate at the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) in Newcastle in February 2023. A consultant initially recommended she remain hospitalized until delivery, but she was discharged following a review by a different consultant. After insisting on being seen again when her condition worsened, doctors confirmed Maisie had died. Instead of immediate delivery, Brown was given a booklet for bereaved parents and instructed to schedule an appointment to give birth. The Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust has acknowledged that aspects of the care provided fell short and has offered an apology. Brown and her partner, Anthony Miller, received an undisclosed settlement from the trust.

Brown first attended the RVI after experiencing swelling in her face, hands, and feet, potential signs of pre-eclampsia. During an initial assessment, doctors determined Maisie needed to be delivered immediately via emergency C-section. However, after being transferred to the RVI, the operation did not occur, and Brown was placed on a ward. She was later sent home, and after returning with continued concerns, was initially told she likely had a stomach bug. A subsequent scan revealed Maisie had no heartbeat. Brown ultimately delivered Maisie via a 10-hour labor on February 17th. Brown and Miller had been overjoyed at the prospect of welcoming Maisie, having already begun preparations for her arrival.

Where they differ

• The Independent explicitly stated the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust conceded a breach of duty, while the BBC did not use that specific language.
• The Independent reported that Danielle Brown and Anthony Miller received an undisclosed settlement from the trust, a detail not included in the BBC report.

What is not yet known

• The specific reasons for the differing opinions between the two consultants regarding Danielle Brown’s discharge remain unclear.
• The details of the undisclosed settlement between the trust and the couple were not reported.

Background

• Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ system, often the kidneys or liver [background knowledge].
• The Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) is a major teaching hospital in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, part of the Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust [background knowledge].
• In February 2023, Danielle Brown was seven months pregnant and initially diagnosed with pre-eclampsia at the RVI [Fact Refinery, 2023-02-17].
• Following a review, a consultant discharged Brown from the hospital despite initial recommendations to keep her hospitalized until delivery [Fact Refinery, 2023-02-17].

Our reading

Our reading is that a tragic outcome was compounded by a potential failure in communication and consistency of care within the NHS Trust. The differing opinions of the consultants regarding Danielle Brown’s discharge appear to have directly impacted the subsequent course of events, leading to the loss of Maisie. While an apology and settlement have been issued, the article highlights a significant gap between initial assessment and final care provided.

What to watch

• The full details of the investigation into the differing opinions of the two consultants, and any resulting internal changes to protocols at the Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust [Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust website].
• Any further statements from the Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust regarding the implementation of measures to prevent similar incidents in the future [Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust press releases].
• Whether the undisclosed settlement amount becomes public through legal filings or other means [court records].

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