The Tragic Case of Freya Murphy: A Heartbreaking Inquiry into Neonatal Care
On July 21, 2018, Freya Murphy was born at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) in Glasgow, only to pass away a week later in the neonatal intensive care unit. The circumstances surrounding her birth and subsequent death have sparked a significant inquiry into the failings of neonatal care, raising critical questions about medical protocols and the screening of Group B Streptococcus (Group B strep) in the UK.
A Family’s Heartbreak
Freya’s parents, Karen and Martin Murphy, have expressed their profound grief in a victim impact statement presented during the inquiry. They described themselves as "devastated by failings in her care" and lamented the "lifetime of memories" they missed with their daughter. The couple also highlighted the emotional toll on their other children, who "suffer daily without their big sister." Their statement underscores the far-reaching impact of Freya’s death on the entire family, emphasizing the need for accountability and change in the healthcare system.
The Pregnancy Journey
Karen Murphy, then 32 years old and a first-time mother, was initially classified as having a "low-risk" pregnancy. An induction was scheduled for July 20, 2018, but Karen requested a delay of three days. On July 19, Freya’s heartbeat was recorded at 150 beats per minute (bpm), and Karen began experiencing contractions later that day. By the evening of July 20, she arrived at QEUH, where her foetal heartbeat was noted at 144 bpm.
As labor progressed, Karen was advised to start pushing at 6:30 am on July 21. However, concerns began to arise when a midwife noted an elevated pulse and signs of "deceleration" in the baby’s heart rate. Despite these warnings, the medical team faced challenges due to the high volume of patients in the ward, which included twelve women, seven of whom were in labor.
The Critical Moments
At 9:30 am, Freya was delivered, but the circumstances were alarming. She was born "covered in copious thick meconium" and in poor condition, requiring immediate resuscitation. Tragically, despite 17 minutes of CPR, Freya was suspected to have suffered a brain injury and was transferred to the neonatal ICU. The medical team ultimately determined that continuing intensive care was not in Freya’s best interests, and she passed away just before 10 pm on July 28, 2018.
The post-mortem examination revealed that Freya’s cause of death was global hypoxic ischaemic brain injury associated with acute chorioamnionitis. This diagnosis has raised serious questions about the care she received during labor and delivery.
Investigating the Failures
In 2019, a significant clinical incident investigation review was conducted, resulting in six recommendations aimed at improving neonatal care. An external review by Dr. Michael Munro, a neonatal specialist, concluded that "amnionitis caused by Group B strep remains the most likely cause of Freya’s brain injury." Dr. Munro emphasized that the infection, which can be passed from mother to baby via amniotic fluid, is a known risk factor for stillbirth and poor neonatal outcomes.
During the inquiry, Dr. Munro stated that while earlier delivery could have potentially mitigated the risks, it was impossible to definitively say that it would have prevented Freya’s brain injury or ensured her survival. He noted that Group B strep is prevalent, affecting approximately one-third of women, but it poses a significant risk to a small number of babies.
The Call for Change
The inquiry has also highlighted a critical gap in the UK’s healthcare system: the lack of routine screening for Group B strep. Dr. Munro pointed out that many developed countries, including the United States, have implemented universal screening since 2002. He argued that the UK should follow suit, questioning why such a vital preventive measure is not in place.
The Murphys’ case has reignited discussions about the need for improved protocols in prenatal care and the importance of screening for infections that can have devastating consequences for newborns. The emotional weight of Freya’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the critical importance of vigilance in medical care.
Conclusion
As the inquiry continues under Sheriff Barry Divers, the Murphy family and the wider community await answers and accountability. Freya’s tragic story is not just a personal loss; it is a call to action for healthcare providers to prioritize the safety and well-being of mothers and their babies. The hope is that through this inquiry, lessons will be learned, and changes will be made to prevent such heartbreak from occurring in the future.