Hospital apology after baby born in waiting room

Oct 25 2012 By Jenny Gray

HILLINGDON Hospital has apologised to a couple after their son was born in the hospital waiting room.

The trust is investigating how Natalia and Daniel Araujo came to be left with only a maternity support worker in attendance when Mrs Araujo suddenly gave birth.

According to national press reports, the couple had been told to wait after asking for a pain-relieving epidural for Natalia.

Two hours later she started having contractions in the maternity clinical assesment area.

A spokesman for the hospital said: "On arrival at the hospital, the parents, Mr and Mrs Araujo had been taken to the Clinical Assessment Area, which is normal practice for women being admitted to the Maternity Unit. A midwife had been in attendance but left the room to take another woman to a ward, as is normal practice.

"A Maternity Support Worker was with the couple. She rang the emergency call bell and went to call for a midwife as Mrs Araujo started to deliver the baby. The midwife arrived within seconds to find that the baby had been born. Both mother and baby were immediately moved to the labour ward where they were made comfortable.

"We have apologised to Mr and Mrs Araujo for what happened and are carrying out a full investigation into the incident."

Mum and baby, who have been reported to live in Southall, are said to be doing well.