Episode 6: Baby D ‘It never crossed my mind she was in danger of dying.’
Nov 14, 2022
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Lucy Letby, a hospital employee suspected of being involved in the death of Baby D, is discussed in this episode. Topics include Baby D's parents testifying about Letby's presence near their daughter's cot before her death, an interview with a court artist, and the role of Letby as the sole person on the night shift.
The podcast explores the negligence and alleged actions of Lucy Letby that led to the tragic death of Baby D.
The conflicting perspectives and expert testimonies surrounding the case highlight the challenges in determining the cause of Baby D's demise.
Deep dives
Case Overview and Allegations
This podcast episode delves into the trial of Lucy Letby, a neonatal nurse accused of killing seven babies and injuring ten others. Letby is on trial for alleged murder and attempted murder at the Countess of Chester Hospital. The prosecution argues that Letby deliberately injected air into the babies' bloodstream, causing their deaths. Letby denies all charges and the trial explores the evidence and testimonies related to the case.
Baby D's Tragic Story
The podcast focuses on the case of Baby D, a healthy baby girl born at the Countess of Chester Hospital. Due to a hospital mistake, Baby D was in the neonatal unit where Letby worked. Despite initially appearing well, Baby D developed breathing problems and exhibited a strange rash. She collapsed three times during the night and ultimately passed away. The prosecution contends that Letby tampered with her care and injected air into her bloodstream, causing her death. The podcast details the parents' testimonies and highlights the negligence and alleged actions that led to Baby D's tragic end.
Investigation and Hospital Review
Following the death of Baby D, an investigation was conducted, reviewing the care provided to the mother and analyzing test results. The hospital review revealed that the hospital should have administered antibiotics to the mother during labor, as her waters had broken prematurely. However, the review also concluded that a dose of antibiotics may not have prevented Baby D's death as she had pneumonia, which her mother acquired during birth. The defense argues that it was not Letby's actions but underlying medical conditions that caused Baby D's demise. The episode highlights the conflicting perspectives and expert testimonies surrounding the case.
In this episode Caroline and Liz examine the case of Baby D, a baby girl born full term, who was admitted to the neo-natal unit with an infection because of a hospital mistake. We hear testimony from her devastated parents who say they saw Lucy Letby ‘hovering’ around their daughter’s cot hours before she died.
We also have a fascinating interview with a court artist, who has drawn defendants and court scenes of some of the world's most significant criminal trials over her 30-year career.