Episode 12: Baby H, Part 1 "They were not able to explain why she had suffered a cardiac collapse."
Jan 23, 2023
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Lucy Letby, accused of trying to kill Baby H twice in 24 hours, is examined for her alleged murder attempts. The episode covers the baby's collapse and cardiac arrest, the complications faced after birth, and the lack of explanation for the collapse.
Baby H experienced a cardiac collapse and didn't have a heartbeat for twenty-two minutes, leading to concerns about deliberate harm done by Lucy Letby.
The defense raised concerns about the overall care provided to Baby H, highlighting mistakes and delays in treatment, while the prosecution argued that the collapse was a deliberate act by Lucy Letby.
Deep dives
Lucy Letby on trial for alleged murders and attempted murders of infants
Lucy Letby, a neo-natal nurse, is currently on trial at Manchester Crown Court for the alleged murder of seven babies and the attempted murder of ten others. The charges stem from incidents that occurred while Letby was working at the Countess of Chester Hospital in Cheshire. The trial, one of the most anticipated criminal trials in recent years, involves shocking allegations of the deaths and harm inflicted on the infants. All charges are denied by Letby.
Focus on Baby H and her near-fatal collapse
In episode 12 of the podcast, the focus shifts to the eighth baby in the case, referred to as Baby H. Born prematurely via C-section, Baby H was taken to the neonatal unit due to difficulties in breathing. The court heard that she had a rocky start, requiring interventions such as oxygen and intravenous nutrition. Over the next few days, Baby H's condition worsened, and she suffered a collapsed lung and episodes of low oxygen levels. In a very alarming incident, Baby H experienced a cardiac arrest and had to undergo resuscitation. The prosecution alleges that Lucy Letby deliberately caused this collapse, while the defense argues the allegations are not true.
Examination of Baby H's care and potential contributing factors
During the trial, the defense raised concerns about the overall care provided to Baby H and suggested there were mistakes made in her treatment. They highlighted delays in blood transfusion and lung medication administration. The court also learned about the strain on the neonatal unit that night, with a high number of babies under the care of limited staff. Expert witnesses presented differing opinions on the collapse, with the defense emphasizing the potential stress placed on the baby's body due to medical interventions. However, the prosecution argued that the collapse was not simply a result of stress but a deliberate act by Lucy Letby. The trial will continue with further evidence from both sides.
In this episode, Caroline and Liz examine what happened to Baby H, a baby girl, who Lucy Letby allegedly tried to kill twice in 24 hours. In the early hours of September 26, 2015, Baby H collapsed and didn’t have a heartbeat for twenty-two minutes while staff battled to save her life. Jurors were told the doctors were so worried that they urged her parents to have her baptised in case she didn’t make it.