Inquest rules neglect by hospital staff led to death of newborn baby in Telford

An inquest has ruled that a newborn baby girl died as a result of neglect by staff at the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford.

Poppy Russell's death in April 2021 has been looked at by a coroner.

A coroner's said Poppy died as a result of asphyxiation - caused in part by neglect.

The inquest heard she would have survived had her abnormal heartbeat been spotted - and had she been delivered sooner.

This happened just four months after an independent report ordered officials to make urgent changes at the hospital.

Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust says it's truly sorry to Poppy's parents for the failings - and it's made clear improvements ever since.

Hayley Flavell, Director of Nursing at The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, said: “We offer our deepest condolences to Mr and Mrs Russell for the loss of their daughter, Poppy. We recognise there were failings in the care we provided and we are truly sorry.

“The death of any baby is a tragedy, and when this happens we take urgent and appropriate action, working with external organisations as well as colleagues, to understand how we might have provided better care. We take any learnings, as individuals and as a service, and embed them within our practice.

“We have made clear improvements to our maternity services since 2021, with specific changes relating to fetal monitoring and record-keeping. There is further to go, but we remain committed to constant improvement, openness and transparency, and are working with women and families to provide the best and safest care possible.”

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