Rachel Everest-Moore and Josh Tilley, both 23, from Stanley, are planning the funeral of their baby daughter Willow, who was born sleeping on July 11 at the University Hospital of North Durham.
No monitoring for eight hours
The couple arrived at the hospital on July 10 for a planned C-section, as Rachel was considered high-risk due to a previous Caesarean. They were granted permission for a natural birth and booked for an induction the next day.
Josh said: "Between the hours of about 1.30pm to 7pm she was complaining of cramping but she wasn't monitored, as in the baby wasn't put on a monitor to check her heart rate and stuff within that time."
At around 4am on July 11, Rachel buzzed for help, saying she was in a lot of pain. Staff said someone would check on her, but it took one-and-a-half to two hours before anyone arrived. By then, Willow's heartbeat could not be detected.
Parents urge others to speak up
Josh said: "If this just raises a bit of awareness for other parents to not be frightened to speak up if you think you're not getting what you need it might mean that another person doesn't have to go through this and it could be Willow's legacy."
He added: "I'm not saying that's what caused it because we still don't know. But she was a high-risk pregnancy and what gets me is there was a point where she wasn't monitored for about eight hours."
NHS investigation underway
Gill Hunt, Chief Nurse for County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We would like to express our sincere condolences to Willow's family following the very sad loss of their baby. We are deeply sorry for the distress they are experiencing at this incredibly difficult time.
"A full investigation into the circumstances surrounding this case is currently underway. Our priority is to understand exactly what happened, to answer the family’s questions as fully as we can, and to ensure we are open and transparent throughout the process."
She added that support has been offered to the family and will continue to be made available.
GoFundMe for funeral costs
Josh's mother, Sarah McGrandle, has set up a GoFundMe page to help give Willow the send-off her parents want. She said the government pays for a very standard funeral that does not include transport, flowers or a memorial. The couple would like a memorial in a graveyard so their son can visit as he grows up.
Sarah said: "I just knew that they wouldn't be able to afford it and I'd had conversations with Joshua where he was crying, saying he's not going to go to give his little girl the send off she deserves. I just didn't know what to do and a friend of mine said 'have you thought about a GoFundMe?'
"If I can do something just to take a little bit of the financial burden off of them so they can give their little girl the send off she deserves then that's the least I can do as grandma."
