Inquiry finds avoidable deaths of three Lanarkshire newborns

A fatal accident inquiry concluded that the deaths of three newborns, Leo Lamont, Ellie McCormick, and Mira-Belle Bosch, could have been prevented if 'reasonable precautions' had been taken by healthcare providers. Each infant died shortly after birth in Lanarkshire hospitals due to a lack of timely medical intervention, despite their mothers having reported concerning symptoms prior to delivery. Sheriff Principal Aisha Anwar KC highlighted significant systemic failures, including inadequate guidance for assessing preterm labor and ineffective communication protocols. The inquiry produced 11 recommendations aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future, such as establishing a 'trigger list' for labor symptoms and improving emergency access to maternity units. Families affected expressed profound grief over the 'catalogue of errors' that contributed to their losses, emphasizing the need for immediate implementation of the inquiry's recommendations. The inquiry's findings aim to enhance safety protocols and ultimately safeguard the lives of vulnerable newborns in the future.