A newborn baby tragically died from sepsis at just three days old after doctors failed to wake his pregnant mother for potentially life-saving observations on what has been described as a "chaotic" maternity ward. Little Sonny Taylor suffered catastrophic brain damage after being starved of oxygen, having been left "distressed for a significant amount of time."
Chaotic Events and Critical Delays
The tiny tot was delivered in a "poor condition" via emergency caesarean section at Ysbyty Gwynedd Hospital in Bangor, Wales, after doctors discovered he had a dangerously low heart rate. Hours before this critical intervention, midwifery staff had left his 29-year-old mother Eve sleeping rather than waking her for essential observations and to monitor Sonny's heartbeat, according to an internal NHS investigation report.
Eve, who had been admitted to hospital after her waters broke at 36 weeks pregnant, later woke up and reported reduced fetal movement. However, instead of rushing her straight to theatre for emergency surgery, doctors mistakenly transferred her to a labour ward, delaying delivery despite a registrar having confirmed Sonny's concerningly low heart rate.
A Frantic and Terrifying Experience
There was then a crucial 15-minute delay in Sonny's birth, with Eve describing the unfolding events as "frantic, chaotic and terrifying." Sonny was eventually transferred from a neonatal intensive care unit to palliative care, with the consent of Eve and her partner Thomas. He died aged just three days as a result of brain injury caused by oxygen deprivation and sepsis.
The devastated couple pursued legal action against the Betsi Cadwaladr University Local Health Board and have now secured an undisclosed settlement. Breaking her silence about her son's tragic death, Eve said: "When we found out I was expecting we were overjoyed. My pregnancy seemed to be going fine."
Systemic Failures Identified
Eve had attended Ysbyty Gwynedd Hospital on September 29, 2022, where Sonny's heartbeat was tracked as routine. That afternoon, Eve was admitted to the maternity unit following indicators of a possible infection. By 6pm, Eve's vital signs and Sonny's heartbeat and activity were recorded as normal. However, as Eve slept at 10pm, crucial checks and monitoring were not completed.
She woke at 1.30am on September 30 worried about Sonny's diminished movement. A registrar was summoned and discovered Sonny had an irregular heartbeat. Eve was mistakenly moved to the labour ward, arriving at 1.43am, and an urgent caesarean section was requested. Sonny was born at 2.03am but tragically passed away shortly after 7pm on October 3, 2022.
Investigation Findings and Apologies
Via NHS Wales, the board expressed regret for the "failings identified" in the investigation report. The investigation concluded a midwife ought to have roused Eve and conducted checks whilst listening to Sonny's heartbeat at 10pm. Eve should also have been taken straight to theatre from the maternity ward instead of being moved to the labour ward.
Tests on the umbilical cord revealed Sonny "had been distressed for a significant amount of time." Investigators stated it remained unclear whether Sonny's heart rate was normal or abnormal at 10pm on September 29, but if it had been low, a decision for delivery would probably have been made sooner "which would likely have changed the outcome" for Sonny.
Family's Heartbreaking Testimony
Eve continued: "The care I received from my community midwife was excellent. However, that all changed when my waters broke. When I went into hospital, I never could have imagined what was to follow. When I awoke Sonny wasn't moving as much and I immediately knew something wasn't right. What followed was frantic, chaotic, and terrifying."
"I went to sleep at my emergency C-section not knowing if I would wake up or whether my baby would make it. When I came round, it was absolutely awful hearing how poorly Sonny was. The care Sonny received while in neonatal intensive care was incredible. The doctors and nurses treated and cared for him like he was their own."
"However, by that point it felt like it was too late, and our little boy wasn't going to make it. We'll forever cherish those precious but too few moments we got to spend with Sonny, but it broke us having to say goodbye to him. Sadly, what happened to us wasn't an isolated incident and you see and read too many stories about maternity care issues."
Legal Representation and Health Board Response
Sara Burns, the medical negligence solicitor at Irwin Mitchell representing Eve, said: "Sonny's loved ones remain utterly devastated by his death and the extremely tragic circumstances surrounding it. Eve and Thomas understandably had serious concerns about the maternity care their family received."
"Sadly, investigations have confirmed those concerns, highlighting a number of troubling failures. While we're pleased to have secured this settlement and appreciate the Health Board's co-operation in resolving the case promptly, no amount of compensation can ever begin to makeup for what the family has been through."
Carol Shillabeer, chief executive of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: "We would like to offer our sincere sympathies to the family of baby Sonny who sadly died in 2022. We are deeply sorry for their loss and for the failures in care that occurred. We recognise the profound impact this has had on Sonny's family, and we apologise unreservedly for the distress caused."
"We have accepted the findings of the review into this incident and acknowledge that the care provided did not meet the standards we expect for the families we serve. We are committed to learning from this tragedy and have made the necessary improvements to reduce the risk of similar incidents occurring in the future. All immediate actions identified following this incident have been completed."
"We know that no actions can undo what has happened, but we are determined to learn from this case and to continue improving the safety and quality of maternity care for all families across North Wales."
A Father's Grief and Call for Change
Thomas added: "The day Sonny was born should have been one of the happiest of our lives, but it turned to absolute despair. I don't think we'll ever get over leaving hospital and not taking Sonny with us to start a new chapter in our family together."
"It's difficult that Sonny isn't at home with us, growing up and causing mischief. Sonny will always be part of our family, and we'll always love him. However, we'll always believe he was badly let down when he needed help the most."
Eve concluded: "No family wants to find themselves in the position we have but the least they deserve is for their voices to be heard so care improves for others." This tragic case highlights ongoing concerns about maternity care standards and the devastating consequences when essential monitoring protocols are not followed.
