Parents wait 12 months to find out how babies died

Families mourning the loss of their children are facing delays of up to twelve months to discover the cause of death, due to a shortage of qualified pathologists. Shane Bevan and Laura Tongue from Tipton experienced a six-month wait after their newborn son Louie died just hours after birth in May 2023. The couple described the delay as agonizing and said it hindered their ability to move forward with their grief.

The Royal College of Pathologists has highlighted a severe crisis in the field, noting that no paediatric pathologists are currently employed in the West Midlands. Only two perinatal pathologists, based at Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, handle autopsies for the entire region.

Laura Tongue, a 34-year-old teacher, described the wait as cruel for families already dealing with profound grief. Her husband, Shane Bevan, a behavioural specialist, emphasized that losing a child is the worst thing any parent can go through, and the extended wait made it ten times harder.

Louie was delivered at 29 weeks via emergency C-section at Russells Hall Hospital after a complication reduced oxygen flow from the placenta. Although he initially responded to treatment, his condition worsened within an hour, and resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful. Ms Tongue never held Louie before he passed away, a loss she says continues to anger her.

The couple had to fight for a post-mortem and pursue the hospital for the results. By November 2023, the report remained inconclusive, leaving them without closure. In January 2024, a serious incident report identified twelve failings in their care, which the couple described as devastating. Diane Wake, Chief Executive of Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, expressed deep sorrow and confirmed that changes had been implemented following the familys concerns.

Support charities like the Lily Mae Foundation, established by Ryan and Amy Jackson in memory of their stillborn daughter, report that post-mortem wait times have steadily increased. Currently, families may wait anywhere from four months to a full year, depending on their location, profoundly affecting the grieving process and future family planning.

The Royal College of Pathologists has repeatedly warned the government about a shortage of paediatric and perinatal pathologists. The UK currently employs just 52, with 13 expected to retire in the next five years. Dr Clair Evans, chair of the advisory committee, highlighted the insufficient workforce and the suffering it causes families.

In Bartley Green, Birmingham, a similar situation is unfolding. A baby boy, locally named Kai, died at home in June, and a post-mortem report is not expected for up to 12 months. Authorities confirmed that investigations are ongoing, while the NHS has launched a national programme to strengthen pathology services. Measures include staff sharing, use of genomic testing, and collaboration with bereaved parents to improve services.

Author: Caleb Jennings