Tragic baby boy couldn’t breathe

A grieving family is still searching for answers following the death of a 14-day-old baby boy.

Rahat Qayyam was born at the Royal Oldham Hospital last July and spent 14 days on life support after being deprived of oxygen at birth. His family agreed to withdraw treatment after being told he would not survive.

Shazia, Rahat’s mother, arrived at the hospital at around 3pm — 10 days overdue and still not in labour. Both mother and baby were well. Over six hous later and after more scans, a decision was taken to deliver the baby.

Doctors were concerned that the baby’s heart rate had fallen and that perhaps his airways had become blocked. After short delays, Mrs Qayyam had a Caesarian section at 11.27pm.

At the inquest, family members questioned whether action could have been taken sooner. Doctors couldn’t say whether the outcome would have been any different.

Rahat was born with blocked airways, which could have caused oxygen deprivation. An independent expert also suggested the umbilical cord might have been tangled.

The inquest resumes today (Wednesday 11 February).