Prevention of Future Deaths reports · 2022

Thomas Hoskin

Regulation 28 report to prevent future deaths, reference 2022-0115, written 22 Apr 2022. A coroner writes one of these when an inquest reveals a risk that could cause further deaths unless something changes.

Date of report22 Apr 2022
Reference2022-0115
DeceasedThomas Hoskin
CoronerLydia Brown
Coroner areaWest London
CategoryChild Death (from 2015) · Hospital Death (Clinical Procedures and medical management) related deaths
Organisation namedChelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Sourcejudiciary.uk record · original PDF
Responses publishednone published

The report

Text extracted from the PDF text layer. Reproduced verbatim, including the scan's own layout.

REGULATION 28: REPORT TO PREVENT FUTURE DEATHS 

NOTE: This form is to be used after an inquest. 

REGULATION 28 REPORT TO PREVENT FUTURE DEATHS 

THIS REPORT IS BEING SENT TO: 

1. Chief Executive NICE

1 

CORONER 

I am Lydia Brown, Acting senior coroner, for the coroner area of West London 

2 

CORONER’S LEGAL POWERS 

I make this report under paragraph 7, Schedule 5, of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 
and Regulations 28 and 29 of the Coroners (Investigations) Regulations 2013.  

3 

INVESTIGATION and INQUEST 

On 24 September 2019 I commenced an investigation into the death of Thomas 
Hoskin, newborn. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 21 
March 2022. The conclusion of the inquest was  

Medical cause of death 
 1a Congenital pneumonia 
 1b Placental acute chorioamnionitis with fetal inflammatory response 
 1c Maternal ascending genital tract infection due to Group B Streptococcus 

Conclusion 
Natural causes 

4 

CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE DEATH 

Thomas' mother presented to West Middlesex University Hospital in labour at term on 8 
April 2019. During the course of her labour, there were clear signs of Thomas having an 
acute inf ection. Obstetric input was not requested as early as it could have been as the 2 
clinicians were known to be in theatre, but other staff were working within the hospital and 
earlier senior input could have been obtained. There was no clear evidence that this 
would have led to an earlier delivery of Thomas, due to the number of factors presenting 
at the time that all had to be balanced and no one course of action was risk free. Thomas 
was delivered by forceps and his condition at birth was unexpectedly extremely poor and 
despite active resuscitation with all appropriate staff, he did not survive but died in 
hospital on 9 April 2019 shortly after his birth. 

1 

 5 

CORONER’S CONCERNS 

During the course of the inquest the evidence revealed matters giving rise to concern. In 
my opinion there is a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken. In the 
circumstances it is my statutory duty to report to you. 

The MATTERS OF CONCERN are as follows. – 

It was brought to the Court’s attention that the focus of guidelines relate to maternal 
inf ection, which is rarely life-threatening, but not to the optimal management of fetal 
inf ection which can be fatal or life changing.  For Thomas, the evolving infection caused 
f etal circulatory collapse at birth and he could not be resuscitated. 

There appear to be no specific guidelines available to assist clinicians in this difficult 
situation and it was agreed by the independently instructed expert and the clinicians who 
gave evidence that this would be a helpful development. 

6 

ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN 

In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you 
have the power to take such action. 

7 

YOUR RESPONSE 

You are under a duty to respond to this report within 56 days of the date of this report,  

2 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 namely by 17th June 2022 I, the coroner, may extend the period. 

Your response must contain details of action taken or proposed to be taken, setting out 
the timetable for action. Otherwise you must explain why no action is proposed. 

8 

COPIES and PUBLICATION 

I have sent a copy of my report to the Chief Coroner and to the following Interested 
Persons Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Parents of 
Thomas and to the LOCAL SAFEGUARDING BOARD (as the deceased was under 18). I 
have also sent it to 
obstetrician who may find it useful or of interest. 

 (the independent instructed Consultant 

I am also under a duty to send a copy of your response to the Chief Coroner and all 
interested persons who in my opinion should receive it. 

I may also send a copy of your response to any other person who I believe may find it 
usef ul or of interest. 

The Chief  Coroner may publish either or both in a complete or redacted or summary 
f orm. He may send a copy of this report to any person who he believes may find it useful 
or of  interest. 

You may make representations to me, the coroner, at the time of your response, about 
the release or the publication of your response. 
22/04/2022 

Acting Senior Coroner, Mrs Lydia Brown 

9 

3

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