Finn Kennedy, the first baby for Ruth and Martin Kennedy, was born in an extremely poor condition on 23rd June 2021 at the Oasis Birth Centre, a midwife led unit within the Princess Royal University Hospital, Orpington, London.
He had suffered a severe hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) injury during labour, after midwives on the birthing unit failed to properly monitor Finn’s heartrate, dismissed his parents concerns and missed the fact that he was in severe distress, meaning that vitally important obstetric input was not sought during the birth.
Following delivery, Finn was transferred to Kings College Hospital NICU for treatment but sadly his parents were advised to end his life support and he died on 1st July 2021 at just 8 days old. Ruth, who is employed as an NHS Speech and Language Therapist, suffered a third-degree tear during labour and required surgery, she has also suffered PTSD following her experience. Martin, who works as a Quantity Surveyor, has also suffered a psychological reaction from witnessing the birth and being forced to make the heartbreaking decision to end his son’s life.
Finn’s parents have fought tirelessly to find out why their son died. They hope that the inquest will provide them with the answers they need.
The inquest into Finn’s death is taking place at Southwark Coroners Court 11th-13th March 2024. The conclusion date is yet to be confirmed by the Coroner.
The couple are represented by Clinical Negligence Solicitor and birth injury claims specialist, Bethany Kyle from Ashtons Legal, who is advising them in relation to the inquest and a civil claim against the hospital. They hope that the inquest will reveal exactly what happened on the lead up to Finn’s death. It will be the first time that they will hear directly from key individuals responsible for Ruth and Finn’s care.
The current state of maternity care across England
England is in the midst of a crisis in maternity care. Maternity wards are continually falling in CQC rating standards. In December 2022, the Princess Royal University Hospital (which is run by King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust) received a ‘requires improvement’ for safety.
The public are repeatedly hearing of similar stories of tragic deaths and brain injuries, for both mothers and babies, in wards around the country. It was widely reported at the end of 2023 that CQC records showed it deemed two-thirds (67%) of wards not to be safe enough, up from 55% last autumn, according to a BBC analysis.
The Oasis Birth Centre
The inquest will hear evidence as to the nature of medical care provided to Ruth during her labour at the Oasis Birthing Centre. At midwife-led centres there is an emphasis in natural birth, where birthing pools, massage and aromatherapy is available. There is no immediate access to Doctors, Nurses, or procedures such as an epidural or continuous CTG. Whilst at this Centre it’s claimed that a delivery suite is ‘just seconds away’, in reality nothing is seconds away, even on site in a hospital. They are phone calls, porters, transfer team that all need organising.
Quote from the family’s solicitor – Bethany Kyle, Ashtons Legal
“Finn’s tragic death involved a catalogue of wholly avoidable errors. As we see all too often, staff failed to recognise there was a medical emergency and to escalate accordingly. Actions as simple as proper monitoring of Finn’s heartrate could have saved his life. Sadly, once staff recognised the severity of the situation, it was too late.”
Interview availability
The family are open to pre-recorded interviews following the Inquest conclusion, as too is their solicitor, Bethany Kyle of Ashtons Legal.
A statement will be given following the end of the inquest to be read out to press present. The conclusion date is yet to be confirmed.
Scala
Scala’s PR team – Natalie Rodgers and Christian Abbott - will be in attendance on the final day of the inquest ( to be confirmed by the Coroner). We will be acting as point of contact for the press, fielding any questions they may have, scheduling requested interviews and managing the family’s and solicitors schedule for them.
For all enquiries regarding the inquest, interview availability, or just general information on the family’s story, please contact Scala.
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