A NEWBORN Stourport baby’s death is being investigated by a hospital trust, following a dispute over which medical department the infant should have been treated in.

The BBC has reported that paramedics took the child to A&E at Worcestershire Royal Hospital after the baby was born suddenly at home in Stourport on January 23.

But on arrival the baby wasn’t breathing and there was a dispute after doctors wanted the baby to go to the maternity unit, because a full paediatric resuscitation team was not available in the emergency department.

Discussions surrounded the fact that taking the baby to the maternity unit at the time of the incident would have meant wheeling the child through the main hospital, while carrying out heart massage on the infant.

It is understood Worcestershire Acute Hospital Trust has lodged a serious incident, which means there will be an investigation into the incident.

In a series of tweets, the trust has written: "Following media reports, our thoughts are with the family at this very difficult time and we'd ask the public to respect their wishes.

"We work closely with West Midlands Ambulance Service to ensure the safety of patients and the delivery of the best patient care.

"We are confident that they have protocols in place to deal with all emergencies.

"West Midlands Ambulance Service will take a mother and baby to the nearest most clinically appropriate hospital if they require resuscitation."

While the trust refused to make any further comment on this specific case without the family's permission, when asked by the Shuttle, they clarified the general protocol if a mother and newborn baby were both seriously unwell at home at the same time.

Andrew Short, consultant paediatrician and divisional medical director for women and children division, said: “Medical emergencies in mothers after delivery require different skills and expertise from those needed to manage emergencies in new born babies.

"In most cases these skills are available on one hospital site. However there are times when the mother and her baby may need to be treated in different hospitals in order to provide the best possible care. 

"In every emergency case, clinical decisions are based on what is best for each individual patient.”

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman added: "We are aware of this very sad case which was referred to the coroner.

"Until the family give their permission we will not be commenting at what must be a very distressing time.

"We have a duty of care to the family and our thoughts are with them at this very difficult time."