Episode 8: Baby F, Part 2 ‘His heart rate was high and his sugar was low, something wasn't right.’
Dec 5, 2022
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This episode discusses the poisoning of Baby F and the prosecution's case against Lucy Letby. It explores the dangers of neonatal hypoglycemia and the contamination of nutrient bags with insulin. The hosts also share their challenges in reporting on lengthy trials and discuss the tragic case of Charlene Downs. The episode ends with a teaser for the next episode featuring Baby G's miraculous survival.
21:49
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Quick takeaways
The prosecution alleges that Lucy Letby injected insulin into nutrient bags used to feed Baby F, resulting in dangerously low blood sugar levels.
Medical experts have testified about the severe risks associated with neonatal hypoglycemia, including seizures and long-term neurodevelopmental problems.
Deep dives
Lucy Letby on trial accused of killing infants and injuring others
Lucy Letby, a neonatal nurse, is on trial at Manchester Crown Court facing charges of killing seven babies and injuring ten others at the Countess of Chester Hospital. The babies, referred to as Babies A to Q, were allegedly harmed or killed by Letby during the summer of 2015. The prosecution's case is focused on Letby allegedly injecting insulin into nutrient bags used to feed the babies, resulting in dangerously low blood sugar levels. The jury has heard from medical experts who examined the medical records and concluded that the nutrient bags were contaminated with insulin. Letby denies all the charges.
Baby F: Alleged poisoning with insulin
Baby F, one of the infants involved in the trial, was allegedly poisoned with insulin by Lucy Letby. The prosecution contends that Letby injected insulin into the nutrient bags that were used to feed the baby. The jury heard from doctors and nurses who witnessed the sudden heart rate surge and dangerously low blood sugar levels experienced by the baby within hours of Letby's night shift. Medical records and expert testimonies suggest that both nutrient bags were contaminated with insulin. The defense does not dispute the contamination but argues that Letby is not responsible for the incident.
The Lasting Impact and Expert Witnesses
The trial has also focused on the potential consequences of neonatal hypoglycemia, where blood sugar levels in premature babies drop to dangerous levels. In their testimonies, medical experts explained the severe risks, including seizures, coma, and long-term neurodevelopmental problems, associated with low blood sugar levels in premature infants. Expert witnesses examined blood samples and medical records, concluding that Baby F had been given synthetic insulin and that the insulin was infused via the nutrient bags. The defense did not challenge these findings but maintains that Letby is not responsible for the poisoning.
In this episode Caroline and Liz explain what the prosecution experts say happened to Baby F, a premature twin boy who Lucy Letby allegedly tried to poison with insulin.
We hear how two bags of feed were allegedly contaminated by Lucy Letby and how all of the nurses on duty during the night shift were called to court - and each denied putting insulin into baby F’s feed.