PEH 'to blame' for couple's lost baby

AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after the parents of a stillborn baby blamed hospital blunders for his death. Louise and Steven Honey believe their son, Dean, should be alive today and are appealing for an advocate to take on their case against Health and Social Services.

A spokeswoman for the department confirmed that an inquiry would take place.

The devastated Rue des Marais couple insist that their baby was alive the day before he was born and believe Princess Elizabeth Hospital staff should have listened to their concerns at the time.

'We are not after compensation, we don't want any money,' said Mr Honey, 39. 'We want to make other expectant parents aware that mistakes can and do happen.'

Mr Honey said he had taken his 40-week pregnant wife to hospital two days before the birth because she was in agony. He said that after a check-up, a midwife said Mrs Honey was fine and sent her home to have a cup of tea and some painkillers.

'The next day Louise was still in excruciating pain, although she could feel baby Dean moving. But by the following day, she could barely walk and was rushed to hospital by her mother. It was then that a doctor was unable to find the infant's heartbeat and told her that baby Dean was dead.'

Mrs Honey, 20, said she had broken down at the news. 'I'm shocked and confused, but more angry than anything else.

'We've had a child together before and we know what we're doing. All I know is that Dean was alive the day before. So what happened? We want answers.'

The couple are also critical of Mrs Honey's treatment when she was induced to give birth.

When contacted by the Guernsey Press, Health and Social Services expressed its sincere condolences to the family but said it was unable to comment on individual cases.

'Any persons with concerns or complaints regarding their treatment or care are urged to contact the department,' it said.

'Any such complaint would be taken seriously and fully investigated.'

A day later, the department added: 'However, as a result of the approach from the Guernsey Press, the Health and Social Services Department will be investigating the issues raised and will respond to the family directly.'