A coroner has suggested that the cost of caesarean sections was a factor in North Middlesex University Hospital's refusal to agree to a woman's request for a caesarean. By the time her child was delivered by emergency caesarean, following attempts at a vaginal delivery, he had suffered severe brain damage and he died 5 days later.
Women going into labour should be able to feel confident that they will be listened to by medical professionals and that their choices will be respected, but sadly this is not always the case.
A senior coroner has warned of a risk of future deaths if the NHS favours vaginal delivery over Caesarean sections on the basis of cost.Andrew Walker wants action taken after an inquest into the death of a newborn. Kristian Jaworski died five days after his birth in June 2015 as a result of brain damage during a "prolonged and extended instrumental delivery".North Middlesex University Hospital has accepted liability for his death, but said cost had not been a consideration.Mr Walker's report, sent to the Department of Health, says that in the case of Kristian Jaworski there appeared to be a financial reason for favouring a vaginal delivery "that needed to be rebutted".
