Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust has been accused of corporate manslaughter after a teacher in their care died after an unplanned emergency caesarean. Two doctors have also been accused after they failed to provide appropriate care.
Both Dr Nadeem Azeez, 52 and fellow anaesthetist Dr Errol Cornish, 67 have been charged with gross negligence manslaughter. Dr Azeez is said to have fled the country to Pakistan and there is now an international arrest warrant issued for his detention.
Frances Cappuccini died within hours of her son's birth after losing half her blood due to major complications. The 30 year old primary school teacher and mother of two was described as a "bubbly and enthusiastic person" by her friends and colleagues.
Both parents had opted for an elective caesarean but it was discovered that the doctors persuaded them to follow through with a natural birth which left Frances with a severe haemorrhage leading to a birth injury from which she died shortly after.
At a pre inquest review, the family's lawyers stated that the death could have been avoided if the doctors had followed through with Frances' wishes of a caesarean birth and had not persuaded her to allow labour to progress naturally overnight.
It was also found that Frances was left struggling to breathe for 90 minutes without being given sufficient oxygen. Questions were also raised around why Frances didn't receive a life-saving blood transfusion and suggestions were made that there could be an issue with maternity ward staff overruling women’s wishes for their elected birth plans.
The first hearing in the case has been planned to take place at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court on Friday next week.
Specialist Medical Negligence Solicitor Mark Bowman, who is currently pursuing a separate claim against the maternity unit at Pembury Hospital commente:
"This is a tragic case and I believe the first instance of a hospital trust being charged with corporate manslaughter. It can only be hoped that lessons are learned as a result of what happened and that those involved are brought to justice."
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