Sinon Masha
30 Jun 2023 · Coroner Emma Brown · Birmingham and Solihull
This report repeats 1 earlier warning. See the linked reports.
The coroner's concerns
1. home birth against medical advice
“The University Hospitals of Birmingham NHS Foundations Trust ('UHB') has specific guidance covering home birth against medical advice in the form of 'Birth Choices Guidance, CG1200, June 2021' and 'Homebirth Including Risk Assessment, CG1143, August 2021'”
2. fragmented decision-making process
“I remain concerned that the current approach has evolved from necessity rather than being a carefully considered and planned amendment to the Trust's guidance. Furthermore, the approach appears fragmented increasing the risk of mis-communication or mis-understanding. This system also deprives the patient of the benefit of hearing the perspectives of all the relevant professionals together in a setting where they, the patient, can witness the discussion and be satisfied that everyone has consider”
3. risk to mothers and babies
“Evidence was given by UHB's Community Matron that without the input of a Consultant [name redacted] at the multiprofessional appointment, things might be missed in the birth plan, and the information given by the Consultant [name redacted] and Community Midwives may not carry the same weight with the patient as hearing the opinion of the Consultant [name redacted]. It was stated in evidence by the Community Matron that this could put the lives of Mums and babies at risk”
Linked reports
Closely relatedConfidence 0.90 · high
Earlier report
“There is a general concern that all sites with the Trust are not integrated and are not following the same protocols.”
This report
“Furthermore, the approach appears fragmented increasing the risk of mis-communication or mis-understanding.”