Mother and baby let down by maternity hospital

A week ago (Tuesday 2nd), a mother and her 4-day-old baby went missing from St Michael's maternity hospital in my home city of Bristol. CCTV had shown Charlotte Bevan had left the hospital in hospital slippers and her daughter wrapped in just hospital blankets. On the Wednesday evening, Charlotte's body was found on the Avon Gorge and the body of baby Zaani was found the next day.

This is a moving and truly tragic story, but what is striking is how it was possible for Charlotte to leave the hospital. The CCTV footage shows Charlotte passing at least 4 members of staff whilst carrying her baby, but they did not even notice her. And where was security? After much criticism surrounding the care of Charlotte Bevan, University Hospitals Bristol Trust is launching a thorough review into the care of Charlotte and her daughter.

Image: BBC

Charlotte Bevan had a history of depression and schizophrenia, and was severely sleep deprived. Why was nobody monitoring her? The trust have said patients are free to come and go from the hospital, but nobody even questioned where she was going. At the newly built Brunel building at Southmead hospital this would not have happened as members of staff and security question anyone trying to leave the hospital. The hospital failed to identify a mother and baby at risk, and once again mental illness is overlooked as such as serious problem.

This tragedy happened just days before the firework display on Sunday to celebrate 150 years of the Suspension Bridge in Bristol. A minutes silence was held before the display to pay respect to Charlotte and Zaani, as well as the others who have taken their own life at this local landmark.