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Babies born at the weekend have higher risk of dying, says study

Here in the PotterReesDolan clinical negligence team we were shocked and deeply saddened to read the various news articles commenting on a recent study conducting by researchers at Imperial College London and published in the British Medical Journal commenting on infant mortality rates for babies born on weekends.

The study found that of more than 1.3 million births there were around 7.1 deaths per 1,000 babies delivered at weekends. This was 7% higher than on weekdays.

The researchers have indicated that the statistics for infant deaths are still low overall but it is the difference between mortality rates for babies born on weekends compared with weekdays that is very concerning.

Infection rates for mothers and injuries to the babies, including anything from cuts to brain damage, were also higher at weekends. However the researchers have said they could not identify the cause of the higher risks.

Increasing birth rates and the associated increased pressure on midwives has been something which we have commented on in the past as being of concern but this new study presents a very troubling picture. At a time when families should be celebrating the birth of a new baby a percentage will be going through possibly the worst time of their lives.

This new study must undoubtedly raise concerns about staffing levels at hospitals over the weekend, another issue we have long been concerned about. Interestingly, the study compared outcomes between hospitals which were compliant with the guidelines for consultant cover and those that were not, and little difference in respect of mortality rates was found between the two. However the study reported that much more data was needed on staffing levels before it could be ruled out.

The severe injury or death of a loved one is always difficult but the circumstances of baby deaths as described by this study is particularly difficult to come to terms with.

At PotterReesDolan our heartfelt condolences go out to all those who have lost a child or had a child born injured, for whatever reason, and we will continue to support, through various campaigns, all NHS patients and work towards ensuring that all our clients have their injuries, whatever they may be, acknowledged and, where appropriate, compensated.

If you or a family member have been affected by the recent study and would like more information about the support available for bereaved families the charities SANDS and Tommy’s have further information on their websites. More information and support can also be provided by our clinical negligence team.

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