This is the face of the baby whose death is being probed at a Blackpool inquest being held over three days
Richard George died at the Royal Preston Hospital just over a week after his birth at Blackpool Victoria
An eight-day-old baby boy died of a hypoxic brain injury through lack of oxygen, while there was also evidence of hypoglycaemia, or low blood sugar, an inquest heard.
Dr Rajeev Shukla, a consultant perinatal and paediatric pathologist at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool, carried out the post mortem on Richard George, who died at the Royal Preston Hospital on December 11, 2024.
Richard George had been born on December 3 at Blackpool Victoria Hospital to parents Sajan Thomas and Jossymol George, from Blackpool.
He was delivered via c-section and solicitors acting on behalf of the family have claimed the hospital was aware of a complication of maternal diabetes, with both previous children born to Sajan having been delivered early via c-section to avoid potential injuries.
On the opening morning of the inquest at Blackpool Town Hall which is scheduled to last three days, along with Dr Shukla’s confirmation of the cause of death, a statement from the family was read on their behalf by their legal representation.
The family believe Richard’s death could have been avoided had the hospital proceeded to an emergency c-section following a second incident of reduced baby movements and an abnormal cardiotocography (CTG) trace.
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Richard was eventually delivered five hours after the family arrived at the hospital and the family believe Richard would have avoided any brain damage, and be a healthy baby today, had the hospital acted in a timely manner delivering him two to three hours earlier.
Witnesses from the hospital are due to be called to give evidence during the course of the inquest, which is being presided over by Blackpool and Fylde assistant coroner Louise Rae.
Blackpool Victoria Hospital has been approached for comment on the case.