Investigation and inquest
On 29 December 2021 I commenced an investigation into the death of Ocean-Leigh Pauline Jean Hayes. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 15th November 2023. The conclusion of the inquest was Sudden Unexplained Death in Infancy, as there was insufficient evidence of any other natural or unnatural factor.
1a Sudden Unexplained Death in Infancy
1b
1c
II
Circumstances of the death
These were recorded as :-
Ocean-Leigh Pauline Jean Hayes was aged 4 months when on 22nd December 2021, she died at her home address of 58 Snowden Road, Ely, Cardiff. Ocean had been co-sleeping with her mother in the hours and minutes before she died.
The Inquest focused upon:-
a. The arrangements for sleeping with a newborn infant and the pathology evidence.
.
Coroner’s concerns
(1) Guidance requires health visitors to physically review sleeping arrangements before the baby is 6 weeks old.
(2) I heard evidence that this was not always being done.
(3) There may be missed opportunities to physically risk assess sleeping arrangements including inter alia bedding, blankets, pillows, mattress and positioning, particularly where co-sleeping is a factor, and missed opportunities to advise parents on risks they may be taking.