University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has admitted full liability following a two-year investigation into the death of an unborn baby. 

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has accepted full liability after a mother lost her baby daughter because the foetus was not properly monitored and there were no maternity beds available.

The mother became pregnant for the first time in November 2018. She has a family history of deep vein thrombosis and because of the risk of additional complications, she was referred to consultant-led care. 

At 28 weeks, a scan showed elevated liver enzyme levels. The mother was never told about this and only found out during the later investigation.

At 35 weeks, she contacted University College London Hospital (UCH), reporting itching on her palms and feet and she was invited to come in for a blood test and assessment. These results showed a further increase in liver enzymes and that her bile acid was very elevated.

A cardiotocography was performed to measure the baby’s heart rate and medical staff documented everything as normal. Records show that at 36 weeks in June 2019, the mother underwent an ultrasound which was normal, but when blood test results came back the following day, they showed a further sharp rise in bile acids.

Full liability 

The mother was advised that she was to return to hospital the next day to be urgently induced into labour. 

When she arrived at UCH, there were no beds available in the antenatal care unit she was told to come back the next day. When she arrived the following morning, the day of her scheduled induction, she was again told to go home and wait for an update on available beds. 

Four days after the initial blood test highlighted concerns, the mother became worried about a drop in foetal movements and returned to UCH. Records show a midwife was unable to find the baby’s heartbeat. 

An obstetric consultant then confirmed that her baby had died and the doctor apologised that she had not been admitted sooner because of a shortage of beds. 

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust admitted full liability and following a two-year investigation, the mother reached a six-figure out-of-court settlement with the trust in November 2024. 

The mother “was never made to feel like a priority, and this oversight by the trust had devastating consequences,” said Frankie Rhodes, senior associate solicitor at Leigh Day. 

“Every mother has the right to full and appropriate care at the time when it is needed. No mother-to-be should be sidelined with the risk to life of her unborn child,” she continued.