14. Pre-labour At the maternity unit, we told the midwife that Hoa was feeling unwell and described the symptoms clearly. We were very anxious about infection and we discussed these concerns with the midwife. Hoa was in tears and unable to speak and I did most of the talking. We were told that the illness was most likely a virus, and that there was “a lot going around”. After being checked over, we were given advice regarding monitoring temperature at home and to keep an eye on the colour of the fluids. Hoa was discharged about an hour later and told to return anytime after 10am the next day. With still no sign of labour, at about 11.30am on Sunday 26th, we returned to the hospital. We explained that Hoa was still feeling ill, tired and had a sore throat and headache. At the hospital, Hoa was monitored for contractions (still none) and given blood pressure and temperature checks. We were later discharged and told that if the contractions hadn’t started earlier to come back on Monday morning.
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19. The First Photo… Emily meets her brother for the first time at just after 3pm on 27/10/08…….. We are all elated.
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44. ‘ Every member of staff has taken this as a learning experience and been totally open, honest and fully co-operative with the investigation’ ‘ We have shared all of our information and findings with every agency in the spirit of openness and honesty in which we pride ourselves and operate as an organisation.’ – Press statement from Tony Halsall, the North West Evening Mail – 15th January 2010.
45. “ Having discussed this with Dr Paul Gibson, his estimate of Joshua’s likelihood of survival if antibiotics were started at the same time as Hoa would be around 90%” The situation at FGH maternity unit that led to Joshua’s death must never be allowed to happen again.