Latest news with #ChesterfieldCoroner'sCourt
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Parents warn others after baby died from Strep B
The parents of a baby boy who died from a treatable bacterial infection say they are working to help others avoid a similar tragedy. Tim and Hannah Taylor-Smith lost Zachary in November 2022 from a condition called Group B Strep (GBS) just 14 hours after his birth at the Royal Derby Hospital. An inquest last year heard neglect had contributed to his death, and the trust which runs the hospital said it was "deeply sorry". Now Mr and Mrs Taylor-Smith, from Lichfield in Staffordshire, are working with the hospital trust to improve how it works with families as well as fundraising for a related charity. GBS is a bacterial infection found in the vagina, rectum and bowel in 20 to 40% of women. GBS only presents a risk when passed to a baby around the time of labour, but as carriers have no symptoms, it can be difficult to spot. Chesterfield Coroner's Court was told Zachary was born at 36 weeks after his mother was induced because of recurrent asthma attacks. The inquest had heard he was initially healthy, but deteriorated. Midwives previously told the inquest "incorrect" actions were taken and that it was an error that Zachary was not reviewed by the neo-natal team. University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust (UHDB), which runs the hospital, admitted that had antibiotics been given to his mum before his birth, or if Zachary had been treated for infection after birth, his death from Group B Strep could have been prevented. Hospital trust 'deeply sorry' over baby deaths 'Total failures' in care of baby who lived 14 hours Midwives apologise at baby boy's inquest 'Strep B infection nearly killed me and my daughter' Mr Taylor-Smith told the Local Democracy Reporting Service more needed to be done within the healthcare sector to increase knowledge of the infection. He said: "There is quite a lot [of information] out there, but for me personally, the issue surrounding it is those in the hospital profession seem not to think it is a viable thing to bring to the attention of those who are pregnant. "We were not told about the risk of Group B Strep, and knowing about it could have been a different story. "There are so many things in the pipeline which will help raise more awareness. From raising our story, we've had so many people reach out to thank us because it has helped them." Mr Taylor-Smith took part in the London Landmarks Half Marathon earlier this month with the Group B Strep Support charity, raising about £16,000. Sarah Noble, director of midwifery at UHDB, said: "As part of our commitment to improving maternity services, we want to ensure we continue to involve families and our communities in the changes we are making. "We remain deeply sorry for what happened to Zachary, and we truly appreciate Hannah and Tim's openness, bravery and support in choosing to work closely alongside our teams – including sharing ideas for potential staff training and how we can best use the experience of families – as part of our improvement programme." Follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@ or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210. Group B Strep Support University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust Local Democracy Reporting Service
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Parents warn others after baby died from Strep B
The parents of a baby boy who died from a treatable bacterial infection say they are working to help others avoid a similar tragedy. Tim and Hannah Taylor-Smith lost Zachary in November 2022 from a condition called Group B Strep (GBS) just 14 hours after his birth at the Royal Derby Hospital. An inquest last year heard neglect had contributed to his death, and the trust which runs the hospital said it was "deeply sorry". Now Mr and Mrs Taylor-Smith, from Lichfield in Staffordshire, are working with the hospital trust to improve how it works with families as well as fundraising for a related charity. GBS is a bacterial infection found in the vagina, rectum and bowel in 20 to 40% of women. GBS only presents a risk when passed to a baby around the time of labour, but as carriers have no symptoms, it can be difficult to spot. Chesterfield Coroner's Court was told Zachary was born at 36 weeks after his mother was induced because of recurrent asthma attacks. The inquest had heard he was initially healthy, but deteriorated. Midwives previously told the inquest "incorrect" actions were taken and that it was an error that Zachary was not reviewed by the neo-natal team. University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust (UHDB), which runs the hospital, admitted that had antibiotics been given to his mum before his birth, or if Zachary had been treated for infection after birth, his death from Group B Strep could have been prevented. Hospital trust 'deeply sorry' over baby deaths 'Total failures' in care of baby who lived 14 hours Midwives apologise at baby boy's inquest 'Strep B infection nearly killed me and my daughter' Mr Taylor-Smith told the Local Democracy Reporting Service more needed to be done within the healthcare sector to increase knowledge of the infection. He said: "There is quite a lot [of information] out there, but for me personally, the issue surrounding it is those in the hospital profession seem not to think it is a viable thing to bring to the attention of those who are pregnant. "We were not told about the risk of Group B Strep, and knowing about it could have been a different story. "There are so many things in the pipeline which will help raise more awareness. From raising our story, we've had so many people reach out to thank us because it has helped them." Mr Taylor-Smith took part in the London Landmarks Half Marathon earlier this month with the Group B Strep Support charity, raising about £16,000. Sarah Noble, director of midwifery at UHDB, said: "As part of our commitment to improving maternity services, we want to ensure we continue to involve families and our communities in the changes we are making. "We remain deeply sorry for what happened to Zachary, and we truly appreciate Hannah and Tim's openness, bravery and support in choosing to work closely alongside our teams – including sharing ideas for potential staff training and how we can best use the experience of families – as part of our improvement programme." Follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@ or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210. Group B Strep Support University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust Local Democracy Reporting Service
The Independent
17-03-2025
- The Independent
Teenage terror suspect in ‘good mood' day before death, inquest told
An autistic girl who became a terror suspect and was investigated by MI5 after she was groomed by a far-right extremist was in a 'good mood' and spoke about her future the day before her suspected suicide, an inquest has heard. Rhianan Rudd, aged 16, was found with a ligature around her neck at Bluebell House Residential Home in Nottinghamshire on May 19 2022, five months after her terror charges were dropped and she was considered a victim of exploitation. The inquest heard the teenager self-harmed six times between April and August 2021 while living at the home, which she had been moved to after she was charged for downloading a bomb-making manual and saying she wanted to blow up a synagogue. On Monday, Chesterfield Coroner's Court heard evidence from Leigh Cutts, the manager of Bluebell House, who said there was 'nothing' to indicate that Rhianan would take her own life. Edward Pleeth, counsel to the inquest, told the court that Rhianan had sat an English GCSE exam the day before her death and it was recorded she came downstairs to make breakfast in a 'positive mood' that morning before she was given a pep talk by the children's home staff. The inquest heard that throughout that day Rhianan's mood was recorded as 'good' and she spoke about 'career paths she wanted to do and her upcoming GCSE exams' while on a walk with a staff member. At 11pm that evening, it was recorded that Rhianan was in her bedroom and there were 'no concerns' about her, the inquest was told. Ms Cutts said that when she came into work the next morning there was an issue with the water pressure at the home so she contacted maintenance and looked around for a burst pipe before checking Rhianan's room. She said she could hear running water coming from the teenager's en-suite and went into her room before performing CPR until paramedics arrived. Mr Pleeth said: 'Rhianan seemed positive in the lead up to the 18th and 19th of May. She had secured her apprenticeship in horse care, spoke of her future plans, she had spoken about visiting Japan and…becoming a jockey.' Ms Cutts said there was 'never' anything to raise concerns Rhianan might use a ligature and that ligature cutters were available to the staff at the home. The inquest heard that leading up to her death, Rhianan had been allowed more unsupervised access to her mobile phone. In April 2022, the month before she died, Ms Cutts raised concerns that Rhianan said someone commented a 'bin emoji' on her Instagram post about her furry costume which she found 'triggering', and afterwards had worn a camouflage outfit with a German flag on her arm. Ms Cutts said: 'I think she was feeling quite confused and conflicted off the back of the Instagram posts, that's why she put the camouflage on. 'It was really important to break down why she was feeling like that. We found out it was because she was worried about her old Telegram account she wanted to close down.' The inquest was told that Rhianan was worried the Telegram account had content that would 'incriminate' her but she was reassured that Counter Terrorism Policing would not reopen the investigation. Rhianan had been expected to go on trial in March 2022 before the charges were dropped in December the year before. Ms Cutts told the inquest that Rhianan was 'quite withdrawn' and 'very quiet' when she first arrived at the home and added: 'She became quite upset in her bedroom initially.' The inquest heard Rhianan had been 'hesitant and apprehensive about living in such a diverse home' but later 'expressed a desire to live here until she is 18'. The court heard that during a visit by Derbyshire County Council, which Rhianan was in the care of as a looked-after child before her death, it was recorded that she was 'making excellent progress' and 'said she is happy and feels safe' at the home. Mr Pleeth told the inquest Ms Cutts was aware that Rhianan was 'vulnerable to radicalisation and potentially subject to sexual abuse from a very young age'. Rhianan was under one-to-one supervision in the home and every hour it was recorded what she was doing and whether there were any concerns about her, the inquest heard. In July 2021, three months after Rhianan moved to Bluebell House, it was noted that she was 'becoming a better person every day'. The inquest continues.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Yahoo
Teenage terror suspect in ‘good mood' day before death, inquest told
An autistic girl who became a terror suspect and was investigated by MI5 after she was groomed by a far-right extremist was in a 'good mood' and spoke about her future the day before her suspected suicide, an inquest has heard. Rhianan Rudd, aged 16, was found with a ligature around her neck at Bluebell House Residential Home in Nottinghamshire on May 19 2022, five months after her terror charges were dropped and she was considered a victim of exploitation. The inquest heard the teenager self-harmed six times between April and August 2021 while living at the home, which she had been moved to after she was charged for downloading a bomb-making manual and saying she wanted to blow up a synagogue. On Monday, Chesterfield Coroner's Court heard evidence from Leigh Cutts, the manager of Bluebell House, who said there was 'nothing' to indicate that Rhianan would take her own life. Edward Pleeth, counsel to the inquest, told the court that Rhianan had sat an English GCSE exam the day before her death and it was recorded she came downstairs to make breakfast in a 'positive mood' that morning before she was given a pep talk by the children's home staff. The inquest heard that throughout that day Rhianan's mood was recorded as 'good' and she spoke about 'career paths she wanted to do and her upcoming GCSE exams' while on a walk with a staff member. At 11pm that evening, it was recorded that Rhianan was in her bedroom and there were 'no concerns' about her, the inquest was told. Ms Cutts said that when she came into work the next morning there was an issue with the water pressure at the home so she contacted maintenance and looked around for a burst pipe before checking Rhianan's room. She said she could hear running water coming from the teenager's en-suite and went into her room before performing CPR until paramedics arrived. Mr Pleeth said: 'Rhianan seemed positive in the lead up to the 18th and 19th of May. She had secured her apprenticeship in horse care, spoke of her future plans, she had spoken about visiting Japan and…becoming a jockey.' Ms Cutts said there was 'never' anything to raise concerns Rhianan might use a ligature and that ligature cutters were available to the staff at the home. The inquest heard that leading up to her death, Rhianan had been allowed more unsupervised access to her mobile phone. In April 2022, the month before she died, Ms Cutts raised concerns that Rhianan said someone commented a 'bin emoji' on her Instagram post about her furry costume which she found 'triggering', and afterwards had worn a camouflage outfit with a German flag on her arm. Ms Cutts said: 'I think she was feeling quite confused and conflicted off the back of the Instagram posts, that's why she put the camouflage on. 'It was really important to break down why she was feeling like that. We found out it was because she was worried about her old Telegram account she wanted to close down.' The inquest was told that Rhianan was worried the Telegram account had content that would 'incriminate' her but she was reassured that Counter Terrorism Policing would not reopen the investigation. Rhianan had been expected to go on trial in March 2022 before the charges were dropped in December the year before. Ms Cutts told the inquest that Rhianan was 'quite withdrawn' and 'very quiet' when she first arrived at the home and added: 'She became quite upset in her bedroom initially.' The inquest heard Rhianan had been 'hesitant and apprehensive about living in such a diverse home' but later 'expressed a desire to live here until she is 18'. The court heard that during a visit by Derbyshire County Council, which Rhianan was in the care of as a looked-after child before her death, it was recorded that she was 'making excellent progress' and 'said she is happy and feels safe' at the home. Mr Pleeth told the inquest Ms Cutts was aware that Rhianan was 'vulnerable to radicalisation and potentially subject to sexual abuse from a very young age'. Rhianan was under one-to-one supervision in the home and every hour it was recorded what she was doing and whether there were any concerns about her, the inquest heard. In July 2021, three months after Rhianan moved to Bluebell House, it was noted that she was 'becoming a better person every day'. The inquest continues.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Yahoo
Radicalised girl 'seemed well' before her death
A Home Office intervention provider has told an inquest a vulnerable teenage girl on an MI5 watchlist showed no signs of taking her own life three days before she did so. The de-radicalisation case worker, named as Witness X, told Chesterfield Coroner's Court she had meetings with Rhianan Rudd, 16, from Bolsover, Derbyshire, in the months before she died. But she said she was not provided with a history of Rhianan's mental health history including previous suicide attempts. Witness X said during their meetings, Rhianan described how she had become radicalised by a far-right extremist after studying World War II at school. Rhianan, who was autistic and had a history of self-harm, was arrested in October 2020 after downloading bomb-making guides and making verbal threats to "blow up a synagogue". She became the youngest girl to be charged with terror offences in April 2021, aged 15 and was remanded into a children's home as part of her bail conditions. She was placed on a MI5 watchlist and was a "subject of interest" up until her death. The teenager, who Chesterfield Coroner's Court heard was groomed and radicalised online by US-based far-right extremist Chris Cook, was found dead in a children's home in Nottinghamshire on May 19 2022 - five months after the charges were dropped. Rhianan's mother Emily Carter had referred her daughter to the de-radicalisation programme Prevent in September 2020, but her participation ended when Rhianan was arrested a month later. It started again March 2022 when her charges were dropped after a judge ruled she was a victim of exploitation and grooming. Witness X said she first became aware of Rhianan after being sent a briefing note from Prevent after the terror charges were dropped. In it, the Prevent officer described Rhianan as the "most vulnerable individual she's ever met". Rhianan, in the six sessions she had with Witness X between 4 March 2022 and her death, spoke of raising money for the Red Cross by creating and selling furry costumes and had aspirations of becoming a professional horse jockey after completing an apprenticeship. In the first meeting on 4 March, the teenager described herself as an "internet troll" but said she would not do "anything bad". She added she learned about messaging app Telegram but had "lost her sanity" after joining it, describing it as a "cesspit". Witness X also noted Rhianan spoke in an American accent and had developed this by speaking to 28-year-old Chris Cook online, who was from Ohio. The witness said Rhianan seemed anxious at the start of the meeting but "seemed relaxed at the end". But Edward Pleeth, counsel for the inquest, read from an email from the children's home that Rhianan was "visibly upset" and "shaky" following the first session and staff at the home said "it had not gone well". A multi-agency meeting decided the meetings should continue but with a focus on relationship building. Witness X said in her notes in another meeting Rhianan could have been showcasing "disguised compliance", with the teenager "telling me things I'd want to hear". The witness told the court she was formally considering psychosis after Rhianan spoke about "two minds in the same body". Jesse Nicholls, counsel for the family asked her: "Were you worried that something was going on with her mental state?" Witness X confirmed she was. The court heard in the days before a meeting on 27 April, Rhianan was "wearing army camouflage" around the home and expressed a desire to travel to Texas. In the meeting, she said she had a "three-day schizoid" and had been "rocking backwards and forwards" in her room. Rhianan also explained how she met Chris Cook on the online platform Discord who would send her extreme far-right material – including Holocaust denial. The teenager said through the Covid lockdown, she had "lots of available time and had become drawn in". In her final meeting with Witness X on 16 May - three days before she died - Rhianan gave more insight into her radicalisation. Notes from Witness X read to the court stated that Rhianan began learning about World War II at school before being told "this is what really happened" by her mother's US partner, who she described as a "literal Nazi". The notes said Rhianan was sceptical about his theories but they were later "reinforced" when she started talking to Cook. The court heard Rhianan had "enjoyed" the sessions and saw them as an "outlet to discuss things". Mr Pleeth asked Witness X about the final session: "Was there nothing from this session that concerned you and there was no dialogue or behaviour that was alarming or worrying? Witness X said there was not. Asked if there was concerns about self-harm or suicide, Witness X said Rhianan "seemed well in her mental state" and she had no concerns. The inquest continues. Follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@ or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210. 'Missed opportunities' to help groomed girl who died MI5 probe of groomed girl continued until death Groomed girl, 16, 'thriving' in home before death Groomed girl was 'fixated on Hitler' before death
