Mother urges maternity safety reforms after stillbirth linked to monitoring error

Bethany Sowerby, 32, went to The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough after reduced fetal movements and was connected to a CTG monitor. About half an hour later she saw the monitor jammed and set to silent, preventing staff from hearing the alarm that indicated a dangerous heart-rate pattern. Despite attempts by midwives and a doctor, they could not locate a viable heartbeat, and an emergency C-section was performed, after which Hattie was declared dead at 9.43 pm on May 16, 2023.

The Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch found the silent setting and missed pathological reading likely influenced the fatal result. Bethany, now diagnosed with PTSD, is speaking publicly during Baby Loss Awareness Week, supported by lawyer Katy Daws of Irwin Mitchell, to ensure maternity safety improvements. The South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust expressed condolences but declined further comment pending legal proceedings.