A heartbreaking inquest into the demise of newborn Luca Yates has revealed his mother’s distressing ordeal, with Nicole Ditchfield testifying that she felt dismissed when seeking assistance from midwives during labor.
Luca Yates tragically passed away at Tameside General Hospital just one day after his birth, believed to have suffered brain damage stemming from a potential lack of oxygen during a challenging delivery.
During the inquest, statements from Luca’s parents, Nicole Ditchfield and Jack Yates, were read by Coroner Chris Morris at Stockport on Monday, September 18.
Miss Ditchfield recounted a seemingly healthy pregnancy, reaching full term in January 2022 when labor commenced. She detailed a series of phone calls she made to the hospital as labor progressed, highlighting her distressing experience. On two occasions, she was sent home by hospital staff who deemed her labor not yet in the active phase.
Addressing the Coroner, Miss Ditchfield stated, “I was made to feel like I was being a bit dramatic as it was my first baby.”
After her second discharge, Miss Ditchfield reported feeling “the urge to push” and made numerous calls to the hospital, struggling for approximately 40 minutes before successfully reaching someone after 13 attempts. Her growing concern led her to contact her mother for guidance.
Upon speaking with a midwife over the phone, she was advised to return to the hospital. However, the midwife’s assessment still did not confirm “active labor.” Subsequently, she was admitted to the hospital and swiftly transferred to the labor ward.
It’s worth noting that midwives from the hospital acknowledged changes in the phone system and information recording procedures following Luca’s tragic passing.
