There were heartbreaking scenes at Cavan Courthouse yesterday during the inquest into the death of baby Conor Whelan.
The newborn died at Cavan General Hospital two years ago just a day after birth. Giving evidence as part of the three-day inquest, his mother Siobhan described how she begged doctors for a c-section when things started to go wrong but was initially refused. She said she was nine days overdue and scheduled to be induced on the tenth day but started feeling contraction pains. She went to the hospital along with her husband and was sent to the maternity unit.
The jury heard how she began bleeding on the way to the labour ward and her husband called for help. She said the nurses started a heart trace on the baby, and it appeared that his heart was slowing down with each contraction. The
AngloCelt reports that her waters were broken against her wishes and she described the scenes as "pandemonium". Ms Whelan was then rushed into theatre for a c-section.
After Conor's birth, he was brought to the Rotunda Hospital in Dublin where doctors could not detect any brain activity. Baby Conor was then reunited with his parents and sisters, Susie and Ella, at Cavan General Hospital where he died a day later.
In an emotional statement, Ms Whelan told the inquest that she was devastated she would never be able to cuddle or care for her baby. She described how thinking of her baby fighting for her life would always haunt her.
She confirmed that the hospital then asked her for her support in releasing a statement saying that maternity services at the hospital were safe. She refused.
Mr Whelen cried as he told the jury that no one listened to them when they requested the c-section early on in the labour. He said their life had been forever changed.
The inquest continues today with a jury of three men and seven women. Medical staff from Cavan General Hospital are also expected give their version of events. I'm sure there will be more difficult testimony as the couple battle for answers into the death of baby Conor.
Did you feel "listened to" during your maternity experience? Let us know your thoughts or mail us amanda.cassidy@herfamily.ie
