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‘Danger to children’: Nurse leaves baby twins with broken leg, cracked ribs and fractured skull

A judge has taken the ­unusual step of naming a private maternity nurse responsible for 20 separate injuries on newborn twins.

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A London judge has taken the ­unusual step of naming a private maternity nurse responsible for 20 separate injuries on newborn twins, in order to protect other infants.

Judith Rowe KC said there was a “powerful public interest” in identifying Emily Waters.

She found freelance Waters responsible for an appalling catalogue of harm during a 12-day stint with a family in 2023.

Judge Rowe said Waters was working without being subject to any regulations of an employer or ­professional body.

“It would be difficult to explain to the public why the name of the perpetrator was hidden, without a compelling reason,” she said.

Private maternity nurse Emma Waters. Picture: Supplied
Private maternity nurse Emma Waters. Picture: Supplied

“Beyond the question of public interest, publication will significantly add to the safeguards against the risk posed to children by Ms Waters.”

In October 2023, Waters, who handled night-feeds, woke the infants’ mother to say Baby X was in distress.

Waters Googled ‘broken leg baby’ an hour before she woke the mum. Picture: Supplied
Waters Googled ‘broken leg baby’ an hour before she woke the mum. Picture: Supplied
She claimed the injuries were accidental. Picture: Supplied
She claimed the injuries were accidental. Picture: Supplied

X had a broken leg, a fractured skull, a bruise to the forehead and seven rib breaks.

Twin Y had 10 rib fractures.

Waters had Googled “broken leg baby” at 12.19am, an hour before she woke the mum.

Police launched a probe but it was unclear if their investigation was ongoing.

Waters, in her mid-30s, claimed the injuries were accidental.

The judge, who was overseeing care proceedings, cleared the parents of wrongdoing at London’s Family Court and concluded “dishonest” Waters was a continued risk to children.

This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission

Originally published as ‘Danger to children’: Nurse leaves baby twins with broken leg, cracked ribs and fractured skull

Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/lifestyle/danger-to-children-nurse-leaves-baby-twins-with-broken-leg-cracked-ribs-and-fractured-skull/news-story/08c6f34c318a4025a26efa11e725f7b7