An inquest has determined that the NHS failed a mother whose infant died one week after a home birth deemed unsafe and contrary to medical recommendations. Poppy Hope Lomas passed away at seven days old on October 26, 2022, at University College Hospital in London, following issues during the delivery at home. According to the mother, midwives from Barnet Hospital had supported the plan. The hearing at Barnet Coroner’s Court found that the child likely succumbed to oxygen deprivation to the brain in the half-hour prior to birth. Senior Coroner Andrew Walker noted that the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust had endorsed the unsafe home delivery despite advice against it and overlooked multiple risk factors. After the inquest ended on Thursday, Gemma Lomas stated outside the court that while nothing could restore her daughter, the acknowledgment of facts was vital. She emphasized her trust in the guiding professionals and expressed hope for improvements. Lomas had earlier testified that midwives promoted a natural home birth, even though her prior child was delivered via C-section in 2018. Guidelines from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists specify that such births after C-section should occur in properly equipped facilities with emergency surgical options available. Lomas said she was urged toward this choice and would never have risked harm to herself or her child. In England and Wales, roughly 2% of births happen at home, but they are advised only for uncomplicated cases. Last year, specialists informed a newspaper that expectant mothers need stronger alerts about the lethal hazards of home deliveries. This followed a coroner’s finding that a mother and her baby in Greater Manchester died due to severe care lapses during a home birth. The inquest revealed inadequate explanation of dangers, with terms like ‘outside guidelines’ used instead of ‘contrary to medical advice.’ In his final comments, the coroner raised issues with the phrase ‘outside guidelines.’ He suggested holding team discussions with parents opting for unsafe home births and requiring signed forms detailing the hazards. A representative from the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust extended deep sympathies to the family. They stated that after reviewing the case, they implemented enhancements for home birth care, including improved dialogue and midwife training on hospital transfer protocols. The trust plans to address the coroner’s points soon.
