Case Study: May 2023
Jack Clavin was born in May 2017, delivered by Ventouse at hospital. He was noted to be in a “stunned” condition at birth, and had swelling and bruising of the head. He was discharged after two days. Over the next week, the swelling worsened, extending toward his right ear. On 2nd June, his parents took him to another hospital where a CT scan revealed a subgaleal haemorrhage. He underwent an emergency craniotomy.
It was claimed that the haemorrhage, likely occurring during delivery, went undiagnosed after discharge. There was a failure to properly monitor the swelling and bruising, to investigate timely, and to notice that the symptoms were worsening. Also alleged was that Jack’s haemophilia was not managed in a way that prevented or mitigated the bleed.
Because of the delay in diagnosis and treatment, Jack suffered brain damage (likely to result in conditions such as cerebral palsy) and has a range of difficulties. He falls multiple times a day, and requires support for his ongoing medical condition.