Investigation launched into increase in Scotland newborn baby deaths

An increase in the number of deaths of newborn babies in Scotland is to be investigated, after it emerged that at least 21 babies under four weeks of age died in September, a rate of 4.9 per 1,000 births – the average mortality rate among newborns is just above two per 1,000 births.

 

Public Health Scotland (PHS), together with other agencies, will now investigate whether the Covid pandemic or other factors could be behind the increase.

 

Although all infant fatalities are investigated, the enquiry was triggered when the mortality rate passed a “control” threshold, designed to pick up abnormal trends in baby deaths.

 

Commenting on the figures, PHS said “Exceeding the upper control limit indicates there is a higher likelihood that there are factors beyond random variation that may have contributed to the number of deaths.”

 

They added that there was “currently no indication of links between these deaths and Covid-19 infection” although the data will be examined further.

 

Dr Sarah Stock, an expert in maternal and foetal health at University of Edinburgh, said it was rare for newborn babies to become seriously ill with Covid, but she said the virus could be having an impact in other ways.

 

“We know, for instance, that when pregnant women have Covid, they can become seriously unwell and in order to protect the mother and baby, that can lead to pre-term deliveries.  Pre-term delivery is the biggest driver of neonatal mortality.

 

“We also know that the pandemic has put a lot of pressure on health services and that could be having an impact.”

 

Chadwick Lawrence’s team of medical negligence lawyers have years of experience in high value and complex medical negligence compensation claims and have an excellent record.  The team is led by Tony May, a specialist cerebral palsy and birth injury solicitor, who has over 20 years experience in handling cases in which babies have been brain damaged or sustained other injuries as a result of medical negligence.  He and his team continue to represent many cerebral palsy children and young adults in medical negligence claims.  Tony also acts as a Court of Protection Deputy for many of the cerebral palsy and brain damaged clients that he has represented, so we can continue to support you after your case is settled.  Tony can be contacted by email on tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk.  Alternatively, please call and speak to any of Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist medical negligence Legal Aid and no win, no fee solicitors for free legal advice on Freephone 0800 304 7382