Cause of newborn’s death at Queensland hospital referred to state coroner for review

A clinical review into the treatment of Queensland mother who lost her baby in a harrowing 18-hour obstructive labour has been referred to the coroner.

Rebecca and Tim Spreadborough lost baby Alby shortly after birth due to an obstructed labour at Emerald Hospital. Picture: White Picket Fence Photography

A clinical review into the treatment of Queensland mother Rebecca Spreadborough who lost her baby boy during a harrowing 18-hour obstructive labour at Emerald Hospital in February, is now in the hands of the state coroner.

The review, which made four recommendations to Emerald Hospital, failed to find any “definitive contributing factors” to baby Alby’s death.

Rebecca and Tim Spreadborough, 33 and 34 respectively, fell pregnant with their son Alby in 2022 following a two-year infertility battle, but they lost Alby shortly after birth due to an obstructed labour at the Emerald Hospital. Picture: White Picket Fence Photography

Queensland Health Minister Shannon Fentiman confirmed the review into Ms Spreadborough’s care was now in the hands of the coroner, with the two to meet face-to-face next week.

“I have been advised by the hospital and health service that the review into this matter has been completed, and that the HHS has met with the parents to discuss the findings of the clinical review,” Ms Fentiman stated as part of a reply to a parliamentary Question on Notice.

“I am advised that a copy of the report has been provided to the coroner, the Office of the Health Ombudsman and Queensland Maternal and Perinatal Quality Council.”

Four recommendations were made to Emerald Hospital as a result of the clinical review, but none made reference to obstructed labour - the cause of death.

Rebecca and Tim Spreadborough’s baby boy, Alby, died at the Emerald Hospital shortly after birth due to an obstructed labour. Picture: White Picket Fence Photography

Recommendations included regular clinical audits to be undertaken in relation to a number of practice areas identified in the review.

The Emerald maternity team was also advised to undertake regular emergency skill drills for neonatal resuscitation and regular cardiotocography updates, a machine used to monitor uterine contractions and the foetal heartbeat during pregnancy and labour.

Ms Spreadborough, 33, said she was looking forward to meeting with Ms Fentiman next week to further discuss the timeline of her treatment at Emerald.

“We will see how it goes,” she said.

Rebecca and Tim Spreadborough, 33 and 34, fell pregnant with baby boy Alby in 2022 after a brutal two-year infertility battle, but they lost him shortly after birth due to an obstructed labour at Emerald Hospital. Picture: White Picket Fence Photography