An ongoing inquest into the tragic death of a six-day-old infant has shed light on a distressing possibility: the child might have survived had a caesarean section been performed.
Baby Troy Brady’s case, which unfolded at Craigavon Area Hospital in 2019, has prompted a panel of experts to provide testimony at the coroner’s court, indicating that a delay in executing a breech delivery likely contributed to the infant’s untimely demise.
Born on August 19, 2019, in the maternity unit of Craigavon Area Hospital, Troy Brady tragically passed away on August 25, 2019, in the hospital’s pediatric intensive care unit. The inquest has disclosed that the baby suffered severe head injuries, primarily due to a deprivation of blood and oxygen to the brain.
Testimonies during the inquest revealed that the baby’s mother alleges she was not adequately informed by medical personnel about the risks associated with a natural birth for a breech baby—an assertion contested by the Southern Health Trust.
During labor, complications arose as Baby Troy’s head became lodged, resulting in his inability to breathe upon birth. Urgently transferred to intensive care, his condition did not improve, ultimately leading to his passing six days later.
The revelations from this inquest underscore the critical importance of informed decision-making in childbirth and raise significant questions about protocols surrounding breech deliveries. As the proceedings continue, stakeholders hope that lessons can be learned to prevent such tragedies in the future.
