Leeds Mum Questions care at Inquest into Baby’s Death, Amidst Wider Hospital Maternity Review
Leeds – A mother has voiced critical concerns about the care she received at Leeds General Infirmary during labor, believing antibiotics could have prevented the death of her baby, Lottie. The inquest into Lottie James’ death heard Ms. James “repeatedly” requested antibiotics when admitted on December 12th,but they were not administered.
The case is unfolding as scrutiny intensifies over maternity services at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. Last month, Health Secretary Wes streeting announced an independent inquiry into “repeated failures” within the Trust’s maternity units, prompted by a pattern of concerns raised by families. Lottie’s inquest is expected to conclude Friday.
Dr. Lydia Coade testified she “couldn’t see any reason why” the antibiotics weren’t given, stating they would have reduced the risk of transmission to the baby. Ms. James stated in her evidence, “I constantly wonder whether Lottie would still be with us had I received antibiotics.” she also noted a cannula was placed in her room but left unattached.
Following Lottie’s birth, she received a full course of antibiotics and a post-mortem examination revealed no evidence of infection. Dr. Leah Boullier, a general paediatrician at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, deemed Lottie’s discharge on December 18th “completely appropriate” given her condition at the time.
However, the cause of Lottie’s death remains “uncertain,” the inquest heard. While Ms. James suggested “many red flags for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS),” pathologists ruled this out. consultant paediatric histopathologist Prof. Marta Cohen highlighted a “triple-risk hypothesis,” citing Lottie’s age, potential genetic vulnerability, and “other risk factors,” including co-sleeping with her mother the night before she was found unconscious. Prof. cohen identified “co-sleeping is the biggest risk factor in this case.”
Forensic pathologist Dr. Chris Johnson cautioned, “it was not possible to state with any degree of certainty exactly how Lottie died.” Ms. James expressed her grief, stating, “I miss Lottie so much,” and recalling, “After her birth I stayed awake all night and the next night just holding her… the most stunning baby I have ever seen.”
