Episode 15: Baby J “We were totally and utterly shocked because she was extremely well and coming home.”
Feb 13, 2023
auto_awesome
Baby J, a premature baby girl, is the focus of this episode. Born 8 weeks early and recovering well, her parents were preparing to take her home. However, during a night shift, Lucy Letby allegedly smothered Baby J, causing her to suffer a seizure. The episode covers the events of that night, including Baby J's low oxygen levels and smothering allegations. It also discusses a distressing phone call informing the parents that their daughter has collapsed, as well as an incident at the hospital involving Baby J and criticism of Dr Evans.
Lucy Letby is accused of attempting to murder a premature baby girl by smothering her, causing her to suffer a seizure.
The trial investigates the events leading up to the collapse of Baby Jay, including concerns about her care and staffing issues at the hospital.
Deep dives
The Trial of Lucy Letby: Overview
This podcast episode discusses the trial of Lucy Letby, a neo-natal nurse accused of killing seven infants and injuring ten more at the Countess of Chester Hospital in England. The case involves shocking allegations of murder and attempted murder. The episode introduces the background of the case and highlights the importance of a fair trial. It also provides details about Baby Jay, one of the babies involved in the trial, who suffered a seizure allegedly caused by Letby. The episode explores the events of the night shift when Baby Jay collapsed and the subsequent medical care and investigations.
Baby Jay's Medical Condition and Recovery
Baby Jay was born eight weeks early and had a perforated bowel. After undergoing surgery and recovering well, she experienced difficulties with weight gain. The episode details her time in the neonatal unit, including her progress and movement through different nurseries. However, on the night of November 26th, Baby Jay suffered a seizure, leading to concerns about brain oxygen deprivation. The medical staff observed her declining condition, and Lucy Letby, the defendant, was involved in her care and administered medication. The episode also discusses staffing issues and resource limitations at the hospital.
Evidence and Controversy in the Trial
The trial's prosecution presents testimonies from Baby Jay's parents and medical experts. They describe the events leading up to her collapse and the alleged smothering by Letby. The jury hears about Baby Jay's parents' concerns regarding her care and the hospital's response. The defense challenges the credibility of expert witness Dr. Dowie Evans due to recent criticism of his report in another case. The episode concludes by indicating that further testimonies from doctors and nurses involved in Baby Jay's care will be presented in the next episode.
In this episode Liz and Caroline explain the evidence the jury have heard in relation to a premature baby girl, Baby J, who Lucy Letby is accused of attempting to murder by smothering in November 2015.
Baby J was born 8 weeks early and underwent surgery for a perforated bowel in the first few days after her birth. Jurors heard she was recovering well and her mother and father were preparing to take her home. But, the prosecution say, that all changed during a night shift when Lucy Letby allegedly tried to smother Baby J, causing her to suffer a seizure.