Verdict of accidental death on baby who died after failed forceps delivery

The death of a girl from a fractured skull 10 hours after three failed attempts to deliver her using forceps was an accident, an inquest jury ruled yesterday.

Megan Hubbard was born by Caesarean section at Walsgrave Hospital, Coventry, in February last year after attempts to use the forceps and suction caps all failed.

Her parents now plan to take the case to the General Medical Council, saying they were concerned at the doctor's refusal to admit responsibility for what had happened.

Giving evidence at the three-day hearing, the obstetrician, Eric Watson, rejected claims that he had used excessive force with the instruments or that his performance was sub-standard. But he conceded that his repeated use of the instruments may have caused the baby's injuries, including a 4.5cm mark to the back of Megan's head.

The jury of five men and four women reached their unanimous verdict after 35 minutes of deliberation at Coventry coroner's court. The foreman said: "Megan Hope Hubbard died as a result of an accident due to forceps slipping during attempted delivery."

The University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, which runs Walsgrave Hospital, had admitted legal liability for the death and would not oppose any future civil action, said Paul Balen, the solicitor for the Hubbards, Rick, 32, and Sarah, 30.

The hospital has now changed its guidelines on the use of instruments for births. Mr Watson has since left the hospital and taken up a consultant's post at the Dudley Hospitals NHS Trust.

Mr and Mrs Hubbard, who is pregnant again, said they were worried that there appeared to be no evidence of retraining before Mr Watson took up his new role. Mr Balen said: "The next step is to ask the General Medical Council to review him. He will be reviewed by his peers so they and future patients will feel reassured." Joanne Brundrette, Mr Watson's solicitor, said: "Mr Watson asked me to say how very sorry he was about the death of Megan."