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14
May 2021
Knaresborough family determined to 'leave a legacy' for baby daughter
A Knaresborough couple are continuing to campaign for change after an inquest found delays in performing a cesarean contributed to their baby's death.
Whitney and Andy Pickup's daughter died on July 12, 2018 at just nine days old as a result of a severe brain injury caused by a lack of oxygen.
Mrs Pickup had a difficult birth with her first child, Charlie, at Leeds General Infirmary. Matilda was born at Harrogate District Hospital.
She believes if the notes from Charlie's birth had been requested by Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust a cesarean could have been performed earlier and Matilda's death could have been prevented.
This was confirmed at the inquest which found that intrapartum (medical intervention) delay contributed to Matilda's death.
Since Matilda's death her parents have campaigned tirelessly for "Matilda's Law" which would make it mandatory for hospital trusts to share maternity notes if a mother changes hospitals.
The pair, who have since welcomed baby Isaac in April 2020, have said they plan to resume conversations with NHS England and their local MP Andrew Jones about the law.
Mrs Pickup said:
The pair were keen to emphasise that the "service is great when it works" but improvements needed to be made.
During Matilda's birth the inquest heard various opportunities were missed including delays in delivering Matilda via an emergency cesarean when her heart rate dropped.
Following an unsuccessful forceps delivery, Matilda was born by caesarean section with severe brain damage.
Mr Pickup said:
He added:
Matilda was later admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit at Bradford Royal Infirmary before being transferred to Martin House Hospice, where she died.
The Pickups subsequently instructed medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate the care provided by Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust.
Victoria Moss, the specialist medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Whitney and Andy, said:
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On behalf of Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, Dr Jacqueline Andrews, Medical Director, said:
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