Baby Born In Toilet Died After Two Midwives Missed Signs Of Sepsis

A baby who was born in a toilet died just 30 hours later after two midwives failed to spot the life-threatening signs of sepsis. And an expert told the inquest that the outcome would have been different if the midwives hadn't missed the "red flag."

The inquest heard pregnant Hayley Jermyn went to the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro on May 8 last year. But was turned away after a midwife told her she was not advanced enough in labor.

Hence, she gave birth to Charlie Jermyn just a few hours later in the loo at their family home in Penryn Cornwall. A midwife later came and assessed the baby and found no signs of infections. However, after 30 hours, little Charlie died.

Microbiologist Dr. James Gray told the inquest that the baby "would probably have survived" if he had been delivered in the hospital and had the right access to treatment. He said the midwife who went to visit the baby after he was born failed to spot indicators for concern: Charlie was not feeding and sleepy.

The inquest also heard that after the baby was born, he was making grunting noises. Which is a clear warning you "really need to do something quickly," Dr. Gray said. He explained that "grunting for hours after birth is a red flag." Thus, the baby should have been seen by a pediatrician and should have given antibiotics.

Dr. Gray said he "cannot rule out" that the baby contracted the disease after being born in the toilet but said it is "very unlikely." Further adding, "The likely cause" was that Mrs. Jermyn was already carrying the infection before delivering the baby.

"Errors were made, wrong judgement calls and all we as a family have left is why." Charlie's mom told the Sun, "If lessons can be learnt so no other family have to walk this path then it is a positive. But nothing will ever make it right, or bring back our beautiful baby boy."