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Glasgow Parents Describe 2019 Hospital Mix-Up That Gave Father Wrong Baby After Stillbirth

A 2020 review deemed the error avoidable, with the health board saying identification safeguards have since been strengthened.

Overview

  • Lindsay Richardson delivered her stillborn son, Charlie, at just under 21 weeks at Princess Royal Maternity Hospital on December 6, 2019.
  • While Richardson was in surgery, a midwife brought another infant to the father, who questioned whether it was Charlie before staff later confirmed it was not.
  • The NHS Significant Clinical Incident review found no identification checks were carried out and concluded the mix-up was an avoidable event.
  • Investigators said the other infant was awaiting transfer to the mortuary and had been placed in the same secure room as Charlie, where the error occurred.
  • NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde apologised to the family and says it has implemented strengthened procedures and new staff guidance across its maternity sites.