Call for guidelines to be tightened after newborn death
Liliwen Iris Thomas died on 10 October 2022, 20 hours after she was born at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff.
An inquest that concluded earlier this month heard there was a "failure to take adequate care" of mother Emily Brazier, who was not checked for an hour after being given a cocktail of painkillers.
The coroner, Rachel Knight, has now published a Prevention of Future Deaths Report calling on the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to address issues raised in the inquest.
Baby died after unattended mum gave birth in coma
NHS staff want 'dehumanising' corridor care to end
The coroner said she believed the current NICE guidelines on induction of labour and childbirth do not deal explicitly with analgesia levels and supervision.
The Chief Executive of NICE must respond to the report by 3 September.
The inquest had heard how Ms Brazier was given 100mg of pethidine, 60mg of codeine and repeatedly used gas and air, but a midwife failed to spot she was in active labour meaning she should have been moved to one-to-one care.
The ward was said to be exceptionally busy at the time.
Ms Brazier was not checked at all between 01:15 and 02:14 when a "faint cry for help was heard" and midwives rushed to her.
Baby Liliwen was found in a "poor condition" and died 20 hours later, with the cause of death given as asphyxia or a lack of oxygen during birth.
A report by a medical expert said it was likely Ms Brazier suffered an "exaggerated pharmacological response resulting in a coma, during which time she delivered the baby unattended and was unable to summon help".
The Head of Midwifery at Cardiff and Vale health board Abigail Holmes has previously apologised to the family and said that "profound changes" had been made following Liliwen's death.
The coroner said the health board has taken significant steps to significantly restrict the use of analgesia during induction and labour, including reductions of prescribed doses, allowing only limited access to analgesia on the wards.
There is also increased levels of supervision of mothers under analgesia.
A copy of the Prevention of Future Deaths report has also been sent to the family and to the chief executive of the Welsh NHS.
The coroner suggested the conclusions could be sent to other health boards around Wales.
Too few consequences for NHS underperformance - Miles
Couple feel vindicated by critical maternity care report
Dad demands changes over maternity service failures
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
6 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Amberton University Completes Major Overhaul, Revamping 100% of Courses and Expanding Programs
New initiatives include innovative AI integration, career-focused curriculum, and expanded healthcare and business programs. Garland, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - July 25, 2025) - Amberton University announced today the completion of a comprehensive overhaul, revamping all courses and significantly expanding its program offerings for the 2025-2026 academic year. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: This initiative includes innovative AI integration, a highly career-focused curriculum, and expanded healthcare and business programs. "All Amberton courses have been completely updated with modern, real-world skills and AI competencies," stated Dr. Carol A. Palmer, President of Amberton University. Established over 50 years ago, Amberton University is renowned for its affordable, flexible education tailored specifically for working adults. Major Curriculum Overhaul Amberton has updated every course offered, clearly defining industry-driven skills across key programs such as project management, finance, clinical mental health counseling, and school counseling. This strategic initiative enhances graduates' career readiness and significantly boosts their practical value to employers. A Leader in AI Literacy Amberton is among the first fully AI-literate campuses nationwide, integrating AI competencies into every course. Business courses emphasize AI-driven strategies, Finance courses incorporate AI-based financial analysis, and Counseling courses explore AI-assisted therapeutic interventions. The newly launched Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence program emphasizes responsible and strategic AI implementation. Students gain practical, hands-on learning experiences through an interactive AI Testing Environment, building tangible portfolios that demonstrate their AI proficiency. New Degree Programs and Certificates Amberton has introduced four critical new degree programs aligned with market demands: Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) - This program is designed for individuals aiming to excel in executive and managerial positions within the healthcare sector. MBA in Finance - Focusing on fintech, cryptocurrency, blockchain, and advanced financial analytics. Master of Science in Training & Development - Addressing the increasing demand for workforce training and digital education. Additionally, nine practical certificate programs have been added as pathways toward full degrees, tailored to immediate industry needs. Commitment to Affordable, Quality Education Amberton maintains its position as one of the most affordable institutions nationwide, clearly outlining a transparent tuition model on its website. By avoiding unnecessary infrastructure costs, Amberton provides affordability without compromising educational quality. Faculty Voices and Industry Expertise Amberton faculty incorporate professional expertise directly into their instruction: Dr. Don Hebbard, Counseling: "Our students graduate ready to immediately make a difference, both professionally and personally." Dr. Deborah Hill, Human Development: "We're providing education that's immediately relevant to the workforce, not just theory." Dr. Ron Norris, Healthcare Administration: "Amberton's new healthcare program fills a critical need for qualified leaders in a rapidly growing healthcare sector." Dr. John Sinclair, AI Program Coordinator: "Amberton's AI curriculum uniquely positions graduates to become ethical, innovative leaders in AI implementation." Dr. Ken Johnson, Clinical Mental Health: "We remain highly responsive to student needs, continuously improving our counseling program to reflect current mental health practices." Student Success and Outcomes "This major overhaul is not just an update. It's Amberton's commitment to preparing our students for success in a rapidly changing world," stated Dr. Palmer. "Our students deserve an education that makes practical sense, and that's exactly what Amberton delivers." Interested students and professionals can apply easily and at no cost via the university's streamlined admission portal. Contact: Dr. Carol Anne PalmerUniversity Presidentpresident@ University To view the source version of this press release, please visit Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Yahoo
6 minutes ago
- Yahoo
ISS Recommends Shareholders Vote FOR the Merger between Regional Health Properties, Inc. and SunLink Health Systems, Inc.
Atlanta, GA., July 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Regional Health Properties, Inc. ('Regional') (OTCBQ: RHEP) (OTCQB: RHEPA) (OTCQB: RHEPB), a self-managed healthcare real estate investment company that invests primarily in real estate purposed for senior living and long-term care, announced today that leading independent proxy advisory firm Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. ('ISS') recommended that Regional shareholders vote 'FOR': (1) the approval of the Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated April 14, 2025 (as amended, the 'Merger Agreement'), by and between Regional and SunLink Health Systems, Inc. (the 'Merger Proposal'), (2) the approval of the issuance of shares of Regional common stock and Regional Series D 8% Cumulative Convertible Redeemable Participating Preferred Shares (the 'Regional Series D preferred stock') in connection with the merger (the 'Share Issuance Proposal'), and (3) the approval to adjourn the Regional special meeting to solicit additional proxies in favor of the Merger Proposal or the Share Issuance Proposal if there are insufficient votes at the time of such adjournment to approve the Merger Proposal or the Share Issuance Proposal. In its July 23, 2025 report, ISS noted:1 The strategic rationale for the merger appears sound considering the pre-tax cost synergies and enhanced possibility of long-term profitability. The outperformance of SunLink and Regional since announcement suggests that investors view the proposed combination favorably. Brent Morrison, CFA, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Regional, stated, 'Regional is pleased that ISS concluded that support for this transaction was warranted. Regional is even more pleased that, of the proxies received to date, approximately 80% of Regional's common stock shareholders see it the same way.' SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERSJuly 29, 2025 at 10 am ET YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. VOTE TODAY! About Regional Health Properties Regional Health Properties, Inc., a Georgia corporation, is a self-managed healthcare real estate investment company that invests primarily in real estate purposed for senior living and long-term care. For more information, visit NO OFFER OR SOLICITATION Communications in this press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any proxy vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 'Securities Act'). ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The proposed merger will be submitted to both the Regional and SunLink shareholders for their consideration. In connection with the proposed merger, Regional filed a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-286975) (the 'Registration Statement') with SEC that includes a joint proxy statement/prospectus for Regional and SunLink, which was sent to common stock shareholders of Regional and common stock shareholders of SunLink on or about June 30, 2025. INVESTORS ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND THE CORRESPONDING JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS REGARDING THE PROPOSED MERGER, AS WELL AS ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC, TOGETHER WITH ALL AMENDMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTS TO THOSE DOCUMENTS, AS THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. IN ADDITION, INVESTORS ARE URGED TO READ THE TENDER OFFER STATEMENT ON SCHEDULE TO FILED WITH THE SEC ON JULY 18, 2025 REGARDING A PROPOSED TENDER OFFER, AS WELL AS ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC, TOGETHER WITH ALL AMENDMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTS TO THOSE DOCUMENTS, AS THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. You are able to obtain a copy of the joint proxy statement/prospectus, as well as other filings containing information about Regional and SunLink, without charge, at the SEC's website ( or by accessing Regional's website ( under the tab 'Investor Relations' or by accessing SunLink's website ( under the tab 'Investors.' Copies of the joint proxy statement/prospectus can also be obtained, without charge, by directing a request to Investor Relations, Regional Health Properties, Inc., 1050 Crown Pointe Parkway, Suite 720, Atlanta, Georgia, 30338, telephone 678-869-5116 or to Investor Relations, SunLink Health Systems, Inc., 900 Circle 75 Parkway, Suite 690, Atlanta, Georgia, 30339, telephone 770-933-7004. Regional and SunLink and certain of their directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the shareholders of Regional and SunLink in connection with the proposed merger. Information about the directors and executive officers of Regional is set forth in the proxy statement for Regional's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 (the 'Regional Annual Report'), as filed with the SEC on March 31, 2025, which information may be updated by Regional from time to time in subsequent filings with the SEC. Information about the directors and executive officers of SunLink is set forth in the proxy statement for SunLink's Amendment No. 1 to Annual Report on Form 10-K/, as filed with the SEC on October 25, 2024, which information may be updated by SunLink from time to time in subsequent filings with the SEC. Additional information about the interests of those participants and other persons who may be deemed participants in the transaction may also be obtained by reading the joint proxy statement/prospectus relating to the proposed merger when it becomes available. Free copies of this document may be obtained as described above. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such forward-looking statements can often, but not always, be identified by the use of words like 'believe', 'continue', 'pattern', 'estimate', 'project', 'intend', 'anticipate', 'expect' and similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as 'will', 'would', 'should', 'could', 'might', 'can', 'may', or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the expected benefits of the proposed merger between Regional and SunLink, including pre-tax cost synergies and profitability, other statements of expectations regarding the merger, and other statements of Regional's goals, intentions and expectations. These forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks, assumptions and uncertainties that may cause results to differ materially from those set forth in forward-looking statements, including, among other things: the risk that the businesses of Regional and SunLink will not be integrated successfully or such integration may be more difficult, time-consuming or costly than expected; expected revenue synergies and cost savings from the merger may not be fully realized or realized within the expected time frame; revenues following the merger may be lower than expected; customer, vendor and employee relationships and business operations may be disrupted by the merger; the ability to obtain required regulatory approvals or the approvals of Regional's or SunLink's shareholders, and the ability to complete the merger on the expected timeframe; the costs and effects of litigation and the possible unexpected or adverse outcomes of such litigation; the ability of Regional and SunLink to meet the initial or continued listing requirements or rules of the NYSE American LLC or the OTCQB, as applicable, and to maintain the listing or trading, as applicable, of securities thereon; possible changes in economic and business conditions; the impacts of epidemics, pandemics or other infectious disease outbreaks; the existence or exacerbation of general geopolitical instability and uncertainty; possible changes in monetary and fiscal policies, and laws and regulations; competitive factors in the healthcare industry; Regional's dependence on the operating success of its operators; the amount of, and Regional's ability to service, its indebtedness; covenants in Regional's debt agreements that may restrict its ability to make investments, incur additional indebtedness and refinance indebtedness on favorable terms; the effect of increasing healthcare regulation and enforcement on Regional's operators and the dependence of Regional's operators on reimbursement from governmental and other third-party payors; the relatively illiquid nature of real estate investments; the impact of litigation and rising insurance costs on the business of Regional's operators; the effect of Regional's operators declaring bankruptcy, becoming insolvent or failing to pay rent as due; the ability of any of Regional's operators in bankruptcy to reject unexpired lease obligations and to impede its ability to collect unpaid rent or interest during the pendency of a bankruptcy proceeding and retain security deposits for the debtor's obligations; Regional's ability to find replacement operators and the impact of unforeseen costs in acquiring new properties; and other risks and factors identified in (i) Regional's cautionary language included under the headings 'Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements' and 'Risk Factors' in the Regional Annual Report, and other documents subsequently filed by Regional with the SEC and (ii) SunLink's cautionary language included under the headings 'Forward-Looking Statements' and 'Risk Factors' in SunLink's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2024, and other documents subsequently filed by SunLink with the SEC. Neither Regional nor SunLink undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, relating to the matters discussed in this press release. In addition, Regional's and SunLink's past results of operations do not necessarily indicate either of their anticipated future results, whether the merger is effectuated or not. Regional ContactBrent Morrison, CFAChief Executive Officer & PresidentRegional Health Properties, (404) 1 Permission to cite ISS was neither sought nor obtained.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Failure to act on 999 call by authorities led to death of malnourished teenager and unwell mother
A teenager with learning difficulties would not have died if an ambulance had been sent to her home following a 999 call made three months before her body was found, a coroner has said. The bodies of Loraine Choulla, aged 18, and her mother Alphonsine Djiako Leuga were both discovered on May 21 last year at their home in Hartley Road, Radford, Nottingham. A week-long inquest heard that Loraine, who had Down's syndrome, was 'entirely dependent' on her mother, who had made a 999 call giving her address and postcode and asking for help on February 2 last year, while feeling unwell. During the 999 call, made shortly after 1pm on February 2, Ms Leuga groaned, requested an ambulance and said 'I need help to my daughter' and 'I'm in the bed, I feel cold and can't move' before cutting off the line. East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) did not send an ambulance to the address after the call was wrongly classed as being abandoned by the caller, the inquest at Nottingham Coroner's Court was told. Summing up the evidence and recording her conclusion on Friday, Nottingham Assistant Coroner Amanda Bewley said 47-year-old Ms Leuga, who born in Cameroon, had frequently refused to answer calls and had gone away for periods of longer than a month. The coroner said she was 'astonished' that Ms Leuga and her daughter were found after a member of the public contacted police after noticing he had not seen them for a lengthy period, rather than by professionals between February and May. After adding that the city council's adult social care department had 'missed opportunities to intervene' and potentially secure a different outcome, the coroner added: 'I am entirely satisfied that had EMAS sent an ambulance to Alphonsine that Loraine would not have died when she died. 'She would most probably still be alive. 'I am clear that Alphonsine died first and Loraine died afterwards.' Ms Leuga died from pneumonia between February 2 and February 8, the coroner recorded, while Loraine had died from dehydration and malnutrition and 'survived her mother by three weeks or more'. The coroner added that she was 'confident to a point of near certainty' that had an ambulance been sent to the address on February 2, Loraine would have been discovered and arrangements made for her needs to be met. The inquest was told that Ms Leuga was admitted to hospital for a blood transfusion in late January last year as she was critically ill with very low iron levels, and was given a 'pragmatic' discharge linked to her daughter's care needs. Pathologist Dr Stuart Hamilton told the hearing by video-link that the mother and daughter were both likely to have been dead for 'weeks to months' before they were found, rather than for days or hours. Dr Hamilton said his initial cause of death following a post-mortem examination on Ms Leuga was pneumonia of uncertain cause, while her daughter's cause of death could not be established. Answering questions from the coroner, the pathologist said he could not rule out that Ms Leuga had died on the day of the 999 call. The body of Loraine, who was born in Italy, showed no evidence of any third party involvement. Dr Hamilton said of the teenager: 'Unfortunately, based on the post-mortem examination and additional tests alone, it is my view that the cause of death is classed as unascertained – that is, I am not able to give a cause of death on the balance of probabilities.' In a statement issued after the inquest, Keeley Sheldon, director of quality at EMAS, said: 'I am truly sorry that we did not respond as we should have to Alphonsine Djiako Leuga and Loraine Choulla. 'Our deepest condolences remain with their family. 'We fully accept the coroner's findings. After our internal investigation, we made changes to our policies, procedures and training to ensure this does not happen in future.'
