Baby died after hospital admin blunder

A new born baby died at the Royal Oldham Hospital after a blunder led to operating rooms being double-booked, an inquest heard.

Natasha and Sean Butler lost baby Spencer following a catalogue of “missed opportunities” in May, 2014. Spencer was one of seven baby deaths at the centre of an investigation into two maternity units run by Pennine Acute Trust.

Natasha was two weeks overdue when she was admitted on 16 May, but went hours without being examined by a doctor. A change in IT systems had led to theatres being double-booked.

Two attempts were made to induce Natasha before the couple were asked to consider a Caesarian section.

The night before Spencer’s death, Natasha was not examined by a doctor for 21 hours despite her telling midwives she had not felt her baby move that evening.

She was later rushed into the operating theatre but Spencer died in the theatre.

The inquest is proceeding.