A nine-month-old baby girl, Annie-Jo Mountcastle, who died at home, was found to have succumbed to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) rather than diesel fumes exposure, an inquest has determined.
Annie-Jo and her twin sister, Florence-Rose, were born prematurely at Glan Clwyd Hospital in Denbighshire on February 5, 2017. Their parents believed that diesel fumes from nearby construction work entered their hospital room through an open window, causing harm that eventually led to Annie-Jo’s death.
The Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board has accepted the coroner’s findings and will review his comments in detail.
Coroner John Gittins of North Wales (east and central) acknowledged the father’s evidence about the presence of contaminants and the likelihood of Annie-Jo having chronic lung disease, a condition common in premature babies. However, he clarified that her condition, once removed from the polluted environment, reverted to the baseline level typical of prematurity rather than being influenced by pollutants.
Annie-Jo was discharged in April 2017 and showed no signs of respiratory disease before her death in November. Despite post-mortem findings indicating probable chronic lung disease, Gittins stated it couldn’t be definitively linked to her death. He recorded her death as SIDS, with lung disease being a contributing factor.
The inquest at Ruthin revealed the twins were cared for in a special care baby unit until their discharge in April 2017. Annie-Jo died at home in Llanfair Talhaiarn, Conwy county, on November 17.
Annie-Jo’s mother, Amy Dean, told the court she noticed dust and diesel fumes in the hospital room where her daughters were placed, and that windows were always open for “fresh air,” according to nurses. Dean expressed frustration that her concerns were dismissed and her mental health questioned for wanting the windows shut.
David Mountcastle, Annie-Jo’s father, stated that after moving to a new room near the construction site, the babies developed swollen eyes and breathing difficulties. He believed pollution significantly contributed to Annie-Jo’s chronic lung disease and eventual death.
Professor Sailesh Kotecha, an expert in child health, testified that bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a chronic lung disease common in premature babies, was likely in Annie-Jo but did not believe it significantly impacted her death. He agreed that pollution exposure was credible but stressed prematurity as the primary risk factor.
Pollution expert Professor Jonathan Grigg supported the parents’ concerns, stating the presence of diesel fumes and dust indicated a pollution event in the environment, which is particularly harmful to premature babies.
At the inquest’s conclusion, Coroner Gittins expressed his sympathy for the family’s loss, emphasizing the thorough consideration given to the case.
Chris Stockport of the Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board extended condolences to the family and assured that the board would examine the coroner’s comments closely to continue improving patient environments, particularly for the most vulnerable.
