Inquest into the death Baby Quinn Lias Parker at Nottingham University Hospitals Trust 26-29 April 2022

All requests for interviews and further information should be directed to Scala

The Inquest into the death of Baby Quinn Lias Parker will take place at Nottingham Coroners Court between 26-29^th April before Assistant Coroner Dr Elizabeth Didcock.  The Conclusion is expected to be handed down, via Microsoft Teams on Wednesday 11^th May 2022. This is a neonatal death and relates to treatment at NUHT, both QMC and City, where Quinn was born on 14^th July 2021 died on 16^th July 2021. 

This media release is sent on behalf of Quinn’s parents Emmie Studencki and Ryan Parker, and their solicitor, Sadie Simpson from Switalskis Solicitors. 

Quinn was born at Nottingham City Hospital on 14^th July 2021 and died on 16^th July 2021 having lived for 36 hours. His Swedish-born mother, Emmie, had experienced several episodes of antepartum haemorrhage (APH) prior to Quinn’s birth. 

Issues we anticipate being addressed at the Inquest 

1. How the episodes of Antepartum Haemorrhage [APH] experienced by Emmie Studencki were managed
2. A lack of involved decision making and informed consent regarding birth mode options
3. A loss of clinical information, and a discrepancy in blood loss estimates between the paramedics and the Trust. The latter who noted a significantly lesser blood loss.
4. Volumes of and delays in blood transfusions provided to Quinn Parker.
5. The process and decision making behind cutting up Emmie’s placenta when a placenta may be required for investigation by the coroner’s pathologist. This is important because their destruction impacts on the coronial investigation which could result in limited findings and conclusions at inquests. 

Nottingham University Hospitals Trust maternity failures

On the 6^th April 2022 a group of 100 individuals (that includes Emmie and Ryan) affected by unsafe maternity services at Nottingham University Hospitals Trust wrote to the Health and Social Care Secretary, Sajid Javid, asking him to appoint Donna Ockenden (who has recently delivered her report on maternity services at Shrewsbury & Telford Hospital NHS Trust) to conduct an independent review of maternity services at NUH. 

In a letter to Mr Javid, they expressed their concerns about the current ‘thematic review’ being conducted, saying “Historically there have been reviews, nothing has changed. Coroners have publicly raised concerns, nothing has changed. If families are to be safeguarded, real and impactful intervention is required. The thematic review so far has been less than impactful, understaffed and moving with the viscosity of treacle. How can the public have faith in this process? The only answer is Donna Ockenden and a Public Inquiry.”  

Media Interviews 

Emmie and Ryan will not be giving any media interviews at this time, however a spokesperson from Switalskis Solicitors will be available immediately after the inquest conclusion. The family will also release a statement immediately after the coroner has delivered the Inquest Conclusion.

Baby Quinn

Inquest Conclusion into the death Baby Quinn Lias Parker at Nottingham University Hospitals Trust

11^th May 2022

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The Inquest into the death of Baby Quinn Lias Parker took place at Nottingham Coroners Court between 26-29^th April 2022 before Assistant Coroner Dr Elizabeth Didcock.  The Conclusion was handed down, via Microsoft Teams on Wednesday 11^th May 2022 at 3pm. This is a neonatal death and relates to treatment at NUHT, both QMC and City, where Quinn was born on 14^th July 2021 died on 16^th July 2021.

This statement is from Quinn’s parents, Emmie Studencki and Ryan Parker. 

Watching your child die changes you forever. There are no words to describe the decision to end your child’s care. Leaving hospital without your child, leaves your heart behind. Everything you knew, that made you feel safe, that gave you hope. The excitement and dreams for their future. 

Quinn, so sadly passed away on July 16th.

We have always believed that Quinn’s death was the result of a tragic failure to provide safe and timely care. Our view remains painfully this way after hearing Dr Didcock’s findings.

We were denied the basic right to be involved in decision making concerning Quinn’s delivery. Critical information regarding Emmie’s clinical history was not recorded on a number of occasions. Guidance was breached. We were not offered transparency and respect. We were not empowered to give Quinn the chance of life. Our wishes to have a C-section and Emmie’s pain ignored.

Dr Didcock’s findings reflect a number of our concerns regarding the overall clinical care.

“When I consider overall the clinical care provided to Emmie, I find that the lack of careful and repeated risk assessment of APH, led to expectant management rather than active planning, and consideration, of delivery timing. There was a delayed recognition of a placental abruption. There was no involvement of parents in decision making in the evolving events of the 14^th, and limited reference to, or understanding of, past events to guide management.”

We held a small expectation, but one which was much needed, while trying so hard to survive. An expectation of dignity and respect. To be understood as parents who left hospital without their little boy. A sister without her brother. There have been opportunities to act with candour and these have been painfully ignored.

In time, mistakes can and will be forgiven, just as we will need to find a way to cope and adjust to Quinn’s short life, and death. Yet the conduct and culture since Quinn’s passing hurts us deeply.

We understand that the death of a child is not only a heart-breaking and harrowing experience for us and our family, but for many NUH professionals who strive to do their best, but who desperately need help. We know there are good people at NUH. They must be heard. We heard a willingness to change from some of the most experienced of staff. These are the hopes that Quinn, we, and so many other families cling to.

We stand by the need for a new and fully independent review into maternity care at NUH Trust, to be led by Donna Ockenden. We believe both the Trust and families will benefit from Donna’s experience, support and oversight. We believe this will enable learning and restore our faith in the corrective measures concerning Quinn and Emmie’s care put forward by the Trust.

We hope that the painful tears of the court room, delivered from the depths of our hearts and shared by NUH staff, will last as powerful moments to evoke change. A change in Quinn’s memory, and those that sadly went before, and those that go after him.

We must now place our faith in NUH to change. A change that will allow us to forgive. A change that will allow our little boy Quinn to rest in peace.