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Daily Mirror
09-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Baby died after mum left to give birth alone in one of UK's biggest hospitals
A coroner ruled that Liliwen Iris Thomas died as a result of a 'hypoxic brain injury following an unattended delivery' after her mother Emily Brazier delivered her without any midwives present at University of Wales Hospital A newborn baby died at a major UK hospital after her mother was left alone to give birth. An inquest is being held into the death of Liliwen Iris Thomas after her mother Emily Brazier was left unattended for four hours while in labour at the University of Wales Hospital in Cardiff. Ms Brazier had been admitted to hospital for induced labour on October 8, 2022 at "40+1 weeks", Pontrypidd Coroner's Court heard yesterday. She was given pethidine and codeine to relieve the pain, but the inquest heard she did not receive enough physical checks and was "not attended to". Between 1.15am and 2.14am, no one from the midwifery team checked on her, so she cried out for help. The fact "she had moved to active labour was missed", the coroner said. After a call for help was made, staff arrived and found that Liliwen had been delivered unattended. Liliwen was described as being in a 'very poor condition' and died at 10.40pm that day. The inquest heard that Cardiff and Vale University Health Board admitted that when Miss Brazier was admitted to hospital there was not a 'full complement' of midwives on duty, with only 17 present when the required number was 24. Two on-call midwives then arrived for duty to take the number up to 19. Ms Knight said Tuesday's hearing was a 'narrative inquest' to decide if a Regulation 28 report would be issued. A Regulation 28 report is a document issued by a coroner which aims to prevent future deaths by highlighting potential risks identified during an inquest and recommending preventative actions. The inquest heard that Liliwen's father Rhodri was not present during his daughter's birth because partners were not allowed on the ward during that time due to the hospital having strict rules about visitors overnight between 9pm and 9am. Summing up facts at the hearing, Ms Knight said: 'Liliwen died from a hypoxic brain injury following an unattended delivery in hospital'. Ms Knight added that the death was contributed to by different factors including the mother 'not being attended to as frequently as she should have been', 'the absence of resuscitation at birth', and 'a bacterial infection of the placenta'. The official cause of death, as recorded by Dr Andrew Bamber following an investigation, was given as perinatal asphyxia (lack of oxygen at birth). Abigail Holmes, director of midwifery and neonatal services at the University of Wales Hospital, told the hearing that Liliwen's death represented 'the most tragic case I've ever been involved with'. She said new policies had been put into practice across Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and that investment had been made into staff and training. Miss Brazier previously said how she was 'angry' at being left alone during childbirth. She said she remembered 'being in a cycle of puffing gas and air, passing out, and repeating'. She added: 'So many happy memories and special family moments are tinged with sadness. I dread family events and Christmas as Liliwen will never be there, she will always be the missing piece, her death should never have happened and that's hard to live with.' Dr Rachel Liebling, a consultant obstetrician and specialist in fetal and maternal medicine, said failings by the health board 'more than minimally' contributed to the death of Liliwen. Ms Knight concluded the inquest by offering her condolences to Liliwen's family and said that, having read extensive evidence, she had decided not to issue a Regulation 28 Prevention of Future Deaths report in relation to Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. She said that Liliwen's death had a 'seismic impact on the largest hospital in Wales' (the University of Wales Hospital) and that she was 'satisfied that protocols and guidance have been thoroughly reviewed and that staff within the health board have been significantly retrained'. However, Ms Knight added that she 'remains concerned' that the learning from this case might not have reached other health boards across England and Wales. Therefore, Ms Knight will draft a Regulation 28 report targeted at the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence so that it can consider the findings made following Liliwen's death. A copy of the draft will be sent to the Chief Executive of NHS Wales. Following the conclusion of the inquest, Lara Bennett, senior associate at Slater and Gordon, a Cardiff law firm representing Liliwen's family, said: 'This case is truly shocking and Emily, Rhodri and their family have been left absolutely devastated by Liliwen's death. "To have to relive the trauma again at the inquest, and to hear how their beloved baby was failed, has been hugely distressing. Liliwen and Emily were abandoned at a time when their care should have been the hospital's top priority. 'While it is claimed that lessons have been learned, and changes have been implemented, this tragic case highlights concerns regarding understaffing on maternity wards and the absence of basic care and monitoring for mothers and babies at their most vulnerable. "Had this been provided, Liliwen would not have suffered as she did and would be with her family today. It is imperative that the policy changes to maternity services implemented by Cardiff and Vale University Health Board as a direct result of this tragic event are adopted across all Welsh health boards. 'Liliwen's death must not be in vain and the maternity care standards across Wales must be improved to ensure no mother or baby ever suffers in this way again.' On Tuesday, a spokesperson for Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, said: 'Our sincere thoughts and heartfelt condolences remain with Liliwen's family during this incredibly difficult time. 'The health board is fully engaged with the inquest process, and it would be inappropriate to comment further until the inquest concludes.' Following the conclusion of the inquest on Tuesday afternoon, the health board has been asked if it wishes to comment further.
Wales Online
01-07-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Protestors gather in Cardiff in row over pay
Healthcare workers from Cardiff gathered in protest in a pay row with the local health board. Carers within band two at the University Hospital of Wales say they are being paid less than those with the same roles in hospital in Swansea. A band two healthcare support worker helps to provide non-clinical personal care and support to patients such as assisting with personal hygiene, meals and mobility as well as recording vital patient information under a registered nurse. The demonstration took place at Woodland House in Cardiff at 9am on Monday, June 30 at the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board corporate offices. The Cardiff and Vale Health Board are working to resolve the situation alongside the union. Never miss a Cardiff story by signing up to our daily newsletter here UNISON Cymru regional organiser Steve Belcher, said: "A meeting took place this morning (Monday) at which Health Care Support Workers pay was discussed. The meeting was very positive and we are optimistic that this long standing issue will be favourably resolved. "We should be in a position to give a more detailed statement when UNISON receives written confirmation that details the outcome of the talks." A spokesperson for Cardiff and Vale University Health Board said: "Health Care Support Workers are an essential part of healthcare delivery and this role has evolved and expanded to take on more responsibilities with individuals undertaking both fundamentals of care and some clinical care. "It is important that all colleagues are treated fairly and consistently, and we have a responsibility to ensure that colleagues have updated job descriptions which accurately reflect the duties they do and that these are evaluated under the Agenda for Change Job Evaluation Scheme. "As a Health Board we are committed to working in partnership with Trade Union colleagues to implement the NHS Wales job descriptions and to resolve the current situation. "In July we will be commencing a programme of work where we will be supporting Health Care Support Workers through a 'Validation of Skill Set Process'. The outcome of this programme of work will inform our services of Health Care Support Workers who have the skills required to practice as either a Band 2 Health Care Support Worker or a Band 3 Nursing/Maternity Support Worker. The target date for completion of this validation and assessment is December 2025."
North Wales Chronicle
04-06-2025
- General
- North Wales Chronicle
Couple take legal action after daughter dies hours after birth
Liliwen Iris Thomas died in October 2022 just 20 hours after she was born at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff due to complications during labour. Her parents, Emily Brazier and Rhodri Thomas, have launched a civil action against Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. The couple, from Cardiff, who are also parents to daughter Carys and son Ellis, have spoken of the devastation at the loss of Liliwen. They said Ms Brazier's pregnancy had been classed as high-risk and had been monitored accordingly during the antenatal period. But when she went into labour she was left alone to give birth, they claim. 'I have very hazy memories of my labour but then I vividly remember peeling back the covers and seeing Liliwen there, completely still and lifeless,' she said. 'That image will be with me forever. I still have flashbacks and nightmares and have been in counselling since it happened.' Mr Thomas said he was not present when Ms Brazier went into labour due to the maternity unit not allowing partners on the ward overnight, unless their partner was in active labour, which at the point of him leaving she was not. 'I should have been there, I could have been Emily's advocate,' he said. 'I would have pressed the call bell and alerted midwives that she was clearly in active labour and needed extra monitoring and help.' Shortly before midnight on October 9, Ms Brazier said she was given pain relief and left with gas and air before stirring from her drowsiness after 2am to discover her daughter had been born. 'It was absolute panic from that point, they took Liliwen away and rushed me up to the delivery suite, I had lost a lot of blood and needed stitches, IV fluids and a blood transfusion,' she said. 'All this happened while I was still on the induction ward, with only curtains around my bed separating me from four other women. It must have been horrendous for them too.' Liliwen was treated in the neonatal intensive care unit but died later that day. Since her death Ms Brazier, who at the time was studying to be a nurse, has opted against a career in the profession and has been diagnosed with PTSD. 'So many happy memories and special family moments are tinged with sadness,' she said. 'I dread family events and Christmas as Liliwen will never be there, she will always be the missing piece. 'I look at the faces of my living children and long to know what Liliwen would look like now at two-and-a-half years old. I will never get over her death, I feel stuck in time. 'I will never be the same person again. Holding your child as they take their last breath, leaving them behind after their last ever cuddle, walking out of the hospital with an empty car seat, there are so many painful memories seared into my brain. 'I have lost my child; it's every parent's worst nightmare and we live the nightmare every single day.' The couple are being supported in their case by lawyers Slater and Gordon. Lara Bennett, a senior associate at the firm, said: 'We are supporting Emily and Rhodri in every way we can to secure justice for their daughter after the most unimaginable and traumatic ordeal.' A spokeswoman for the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board said: 'Our sincere thoughts and heartfelt condolences remain with Liliwen's family during this incredibly difficult time. 'The health board is fully engaged with the inquest process and it would be inappropriate to comment further until the inquest concludes.'
Powys County Times
04-06-2025
- General
- Powys County Times
Couple take legal action after daughter dies hours after birth
A couple are taking legal action against a health board after their daughter died hours after her birth. Liliwen Iris Thomas died in October 2022 just 20 hours after she was born at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff due to complications during labour. Her parents, Emily Brazier and Rhodri Thomas, have launched a civil action against Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. The couple, from Cardiff, who are also parents to daughter Carys and son Ellis, have spoken of the devastation at the loss of Liliwen. They said Ms Brazier's pregnancy had been classed as high-risk and had been monitored accordingly during the antenatal period. But when she went into labour she was left alone to give birth, they claim. 'I have very hazy memories of my labour but then I vividly remember peeling back the covers and seeing Liliwen there, completely still and lifeless,' she said. 'That image will be with me forever. I still have flashbacks and nightmares and have been in counselling since it happened.' Mr Thomas said he was not present when Ms Brazier went into labour due to the maternity unit not allowing partners on the ward overnight, unless their partner was in active labour, which at the point of him leaving she was not. 'I should have been there, I could have been Emily's advocate,' he said. 'I would have pressed the call bell and alerted midwives that she was clearly in active labour and needed extra monitoring and help.' Shortly before midnight on October 9, Ms Brazier said she was given pain relief and left with gas and air before stirring from her drowsiness after 2am to discover her daughter had been born. 'It was absolute panic from that point, they took Liliwen away and rushed me up to the delivery suite, I had lost a lot of blood and needed stitches, IV fluids and a blood transfusion,' she said. 'All this happened while I was still on the induction ward, with only curtains around my bed separating me from four other women. It must have been horrendous for them too.' Liliwen was treated in the neonatal intensive care unit but died later that day. Since her death Ms Brazier, who at the time was studying to be a nurse, has opted against a career in the profession and has been diagnosed with PTSD. 'So many happy memories and special family moments are tinged with sadness,' she said. 'I dread family events and Christmas as Liliwen will never be there, she will always be the missing piece. 'I look at the faces of my living children and long to know what Liliwen would look like now at two-and-a-half years old. I will never get over her death, I feel stuck in time. 'I will never be the same person again. Holding your child as they take their last breath, leaving them behind after their last ever cuddle, walking out of the hospital with an empty car seat, there are so many painful memories seared into my brain. 'I have lost my child; it's every parent's worst nightmare and we live the nightmare every single day.' The couple are being supported in their case by lawyers Slater and Gordon. Lara Bennett, a senior associate at the firm, said: 'We are supporting Emily and Rhodri in every way we can to secure justice for their daughter after the most unimaginable and traumatic ordeal.' A spokeswoman for the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board said: 'Our sincere thoughts and heartfelt condolences remain with Liliwen's family during this incredibly difficult time. 'The health board is fully engaged with the inquest process and it would be inappropriate to comment further until the inquest concludes.'
Western Telegraph
04-06-2025
- General
- Western Telegraph
Couple take legal action after daughter dies hours after birth
Liliwen Iris Thomas died in October 2022 just 20 hours after she was born at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff due to complications during labour. Her parents, Emily Brazier and Rhodri Thomas, have launched a civil action against Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. Emily Brazier and Rhodri Thomas with their daughter Liliwen (Slater and Gordon/Family handout/PA) The couple, from Cardiff, who are also parents to daughter Carys and son Ellis, have spoken of the devastation at the loss of Liliwen. They said Ms Brazier's pregnancy had been classed as high-risk and had been monitored accordingly during the antenatal period. But when she went into labour she was left alone to give birth, they claim. 'I have very hazy memories of my labour but then I vividly remember peeling back the covers and seeing Liliwen there, completely still and lifeless,' she said. 'That image will be with me forever. I still have flashbacks and nightmares and have been in counselling since it happened.' Mr Thomas said he was not present when Ms Brazier went into labour due to the maternity unit not allowing partners on the ward overnight, unless their partner was in active labour, which at the point of him leaving she was not. 'I should have been there, I could have been Emily's advocate,' he said. 'I would have pressed the call bell and alerted midwives that she was clearly in active labour and needed extra monitoring and help.' Shortly before midnight on October 9, Ms Brazier said she was given pain relief and left with gas and air before stirring from her drowsiness after 2am to discover her daughter had been born. 'It was absolute panic from that point, they took Liliwen away and rushed me up to the delivery suite, I had lost a lot of blood and needed stitches, IV fluids and a blood transfusion,' she said. 'All this happened while I was still on the induction ward, with only curtains around my bed separating me from four other women. It must have been horrendous for them too.' Liliwen Thomas died 20 hours after her birth in October 2022 (Slater and Gordon/Family handout/PA) Liliwen was treated in the neonatal intensive care unit but died later that day. Since her death Ms Brazier, who at the time was studying to be a nurse, has opted against a career in the profession and has been diagnosed with PTSD. 'So many happy memories and special family moments are tinged with sadness,' she said. 'I dread family events and Christmas as Liliwen will never be there, she will always be the missing piece. 'I look at the faces of my living children and long to know what Liliwen would look like now at two-and-a-half years old. I will never get over her death, I feel stuck in time. 'I will never be the same person again. Holding your child as they take their last breath, leaving them behind after their last ever cuddle, walking out of the hospital with an empty car seat, there are so many painful memories seared into my brain. 'I have lost my child; it's every parent's worst nightmare and we live the nightmare every single day.' The couple are being supported in their case by lawyers Slater and Gordon. Lara Bennett, a senior associate at the firm, said: 'We are supporting Emily and Rhodri in every way we can to secure justice for their daughter after the most unimaginable and traumatic ordeal.' A spokeswoman for the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board said: 'Our sincere thoughts and heartfelt condolences remain with Liliwen's family during this incredibly difficult time. 'The health board is fully engaged with the inquest process and it would be inappropriate to comment further until the inquest concludes.'
