Investigation and inquest
On 15.04.13 I commenced an investigation into the death of Rachel Hollister (d.o.b. 17.08.81). The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 26.05.15. The conclusion of the inquest was Rachel Hollister died from natural causes as a result of a known but rare complication of pregnancy and childbirth.
The medical cause of death being:-
Amniotic Fluid Embolism
Circumstances of the death
During the early hours of 13th April 2013 Mrs. Hollister presented unannounced to the Maternity Unit at the Royal Gwent Hospital. Mrs. Hollister gave birth to her daughter, ████████t 2.40 a.m. She suffered a retained placenta and was transferred to theatre for manual removal where she suffered a cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead at 6.25 a.m.
Coroner’s concerns
1. Medical staff and porters either did not follow or were unaware of the Health Board’s Protocols
2. The major obstetric haemorrhage protocol does not meet the guidelines published by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists