A midwife who was found to have contributed to the death of a newborn has been allowed to return to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) register and deliver babies again. Elizabeth Hilbayuded was struck off in 2016 after a hearing determined her fitness to practise was impaired.
The panel found that while employed as a midwife for Lewisham Healthcare NHS Trust in 2011, Hilbayuded failed to undertake meconium observations on a newborn. The baby was delivered by emergency caesarean due to complications during labour but was born in good condition. Meconium was observed during the birth, and she was advised to take observations every two hours over 12 hours. However, the baby was later found flaccid, not breathing, and blue. Hilbayuded falsely recorded that she had undertaken one of the checks.
Despite being struck off, Hilbayuded continued to work as a healthcare assistant at the same trust. Following an application for reinstatement, the NMC last week agreed to allow her back on the register. The hearing noted she had developed 'significant insight' into her actions and expressed genuine remorse. The panel concluded that her actions were out of character and the risk of repetition was minimal.
The NMC stated: 'The panel was satisfied, taking into account your training, reflections and positive references received, that you are capable of safe and effective practice as a midwife.' The restoration is subject to Hilbayuded successfully completing a Return to Practice course. During her time as a healthcare assistant, she worked in A&E during the pandemic and received two Employee of the Month nominations and a Covid award nomination.
