AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after a woman died during childbirth at Basildon Hospital’s maternity unit.
It is the third death of a mother in the last three years at the unit, in addition to the death of a newborn baby. The unit only had its rating by watchdog the Care Quality Commission (CQC) upgraded from Inadequate to Requires Improvement in December.
YT understands that the woman was in her third trimester.
Hospital bosses offered their condolences to the woman’s family, but could not comment on the case while it was under investigation.
Basildon Hospital is part of Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, which also runs Southend and Broomfield hospitals.
The death comes after it was revealed last week that two babies had to be transferred to another trust for ‘cooling’ treatment this month, to protect their brains after delivery. The trust confirmed this is not a regular event “but not uncommon”.
The fatality follows the death of Gabriela Pintilie, 36, who gave birth to her daughter in February 2019, but died the following day at Basildon Hospital after medics failed to provide a vital blood transfusion. Her baby girl survived.
It also comes after the death of a mother and a baby in separate incidents at the unit in March 2019, while the trust was being inspected by the CQC following Ms Pintilie’s death.
The hospital also apologised for the death of newborn Frederick Terry after he suffered a brain haemorrhage and fractured skull during a failed forceps delivery in November 2020.
A spokesman for Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust said: “Our condolences go out to the family in this very sad case, as it is currently under investigation, we are unable to make further comment.
“The safety of mums and babies whilst using our maternity services is our priority, and we strive to always offer the very best care.”
A CQC spokesman said: “We are aware a pregnant woman sadly died on Basildon Hospital’s maternity unit. Her death is being investigated by the trust.
“We continue to monitor the trust, along with all the services we regulate, to ensure people receive the safe and effective care and treatment they have a right to expect.”
