A heartbroken mother gives birth to a stillborn child while nearby healthy babies wail

Chelsea McCormack, a young mother from Walsall, faced the tragic loss of her son Coby, who was stillborn at 34 weeks. She has spoken out about the inadequacy of the care she received at Walsall’s Manor Hospital, which she believes contributed to her son’s death.

At just 18 years old, Chelsea endured the heartbreaking experience of delivering her stillborn child in a delivery ward where she could hear other babies being born. Her legal representatives have stated that if the care she received had been up to standard, Coby would likely have survived.

Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, responsible for the hospital, has acknowledged that the care provided did not meet their usual standards and has issued an unreserved apology. The Trust has reached an out-of-court settlement with Chelsea, though they did not admit liability.

Chelsea’s pregnancy had been under close medical supervision due to concerns about her baby’s growth and her condition of polycystic ovary syndrome. Despite plans to induce labor if there was no progress, Chelsea claimed there were delays in her appointments. She later visited the hospital with back pain and reduced fetal movements, only to be told that her son no longer had a heartbeat, told Birmingham Mail.

Chelsea described the emotional impact of the experience, stating that no amount of money could compensate for the loss of her son. She used part of the settlement to pay for Coby’s headstone but emphasized that it could not bring her son back.

Caroline Brogan, a medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell who represented Chelsea, stated that their investigation concluded Coby likely died due to a placental abruption. Brogan emphasized that the case raises serious concerns about maternity safety and hopes that lessons will be learned from Chelsea’s experience to improve care for others.

Jo Wright, director of midwifery and gynecology at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, extended condolences to Chelsea and her family, assuring that the investigation’s findings are being used to enhance safety and minimize risks in their maternity care services.