Marley Hope Slack · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On Twenty-Sixth February 2019 I commenced an investigation into the death of Marley Hope Slack aged 2 Months. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on Twenty-Eighth January 2020. The conclusion of the inquest was:

Narrative Conclusion - Whilst the cause of death remains ‘Unascertained’ evidence has been heard that the sleeping environment of Marley on the night of her death presented a more than minimal risk of sudden infant death.

The cause of death was established as:

I a Unascertained

I b

I c

II

Baby Marley Slack was born on the 22 November 2018 at 31+6 weeks gestation weighing 870 gms. She was the smaller baby of twins. She progressed very slowly and was discharged from hospital on the 06 January 2019 weighing 1550 gms. On the night of the 19 February 2019 Marley was unsettled and was taken into her parents bed beside her father. He woke early in the morning to find Marley not breathing and unresponsive. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was commenced by dad and continued by paramedics until Marley reached hospital. She was unable to be resuscitated and was declared deceased at Leicester Royal Infirmary on the 20 February 2019.

The Red Book for your Trust contains in its inside cover a colourful list of 'Do's' and 'Don'ts' regarding co-sleeping which is obviously meant to be eye catching and for quick reference. You have accredited the information to the Lullaby Trust. I am concerned as the 'Don't section on co-sleeping does not include that premature or low birth weight babies should not be co-slept with whereas the rest of the Lullaby Trust's advice about not co-sleeping if you smoke, drink or take drugs is quoted. I acknowledge that the advice is repeated in full in 'The Safe Sleep Assessment' section inside the booklet at page 15. However, if you are providing information that appears to be designed for immediate impact it should contain the appropriate correct information and advice.