Two midwives have been struck off following the tragic deaths of two babies at the same birth centre, as reported by Wales Online. Laura Bowtell, a former aviation worker, shared her heartbreaking story of the loss of her baby daughter Margot after experiencing a series of errors during labour at the NHS’s Cheltenham Birth Centre. Despite repeatedly urging the midwives to call for an ambulance, there were delays in taking action, ultimately leading to the devastating outcome. Margot’s heart rate dropped significantly, and she was taken off life support three days after birth.
An independent investigation by the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch found that Laura Bowtell should have been transferred to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital earlier during labour, a decision that could have potentially saved Margot’s life. The Nursing and Midwifery Council panel decided to strike off the two midwives, Lisa Land and Hazel Williams, stating that they had breached fundamental professional standards, which could harm public confidence in birthing unit services. The panel highlighted the midwives’ misconduct in not transferring the patients and attempting to cover up their mistakes with inaccurate record-keeping.
Laura Bowtell, now a mother to a 10-month-old daughter born via C-section, expressed the enduring trauma of living with PTSD following the loss of Margot. She revealed her anguish over the fact that proper actions were not taken that could have saved her daughter’s life. The midwives’ failure to call for an ambulance promptly in both Margot’s case and that of another infant, Jasper White, who died in similar circumstances earlier, highlighted serious shortcomings in their care. Manipulation of medical records also took place to downplay Jasper’s deteriorating condition, indicating a pattern of negligence.
Mrs Bowtell’s experience during labour was marred by signs that warranted urgent medical attention, such as a minor haemorrhage and reduced foetal movement, which were not addressed appropriately by the midwives. Margot’s critical condition at birth, with a low foetal heartbeat, was not given the prompt emergency response it required. Instead of using the emergency bell to alert the team, the lead midwife opted for a regular call bell to maintain a homely atmosphere in the birthing unit, compromising the necessary medical interventions.
The tragic loss of Margot and Jasper due to preventable errors has raised concerns about the standards of care at the Cheltenham Birth Centre. Laura Bowtell’s harrowing experience serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of medical negligence on families. The decision to strike off the midwives responsible for these heartbreaking incidents underscores the need for accountability and diligence in maternal healthcare. The NMC panel’s ruling reflects a commitment to upholding the highest standards of midwifery practice and safeguarding the well-being of mothers and babies in childbirth. The legacy of Margot and Jasper’s untimely deaths will continue to highlight the importance of vigilance and adherence to professional standards in maternity care.