Changes to be made to maternity procedures following baby Thea Flaskett’s tragic death

Queensland’s maternity care is set to undergo a number of changes that will “make an enormous difference for families”.

Meg and James Flaskett from Griffin lost their newborn daughter Thea due to complications. Picture: Richard Walker

Increased training for clinicians on how to resuscitate babies is among immediate changes set to be made to improve maternity care in Queensland in light of baby Thea Flaskett’s death hours after she born.

Thea died hours after being born at Redcliffe Hospital in September, with her heartbroken parents alleging their daughter was met with an empty oxygen tank, malfunctioning equipment and that their concerns were repeatedly dismissed.

Metro North HHS has denied, based on interim findings of the clinical review, that any equipment was faulty or that clinical staff did not know how to operate equipment appropriately.

Meg Flaskett, 21, and James Flaskett, 22, lost their baby daughter Thea after she was born at Redcliffe Hospital. Photo: Supplied.

Ms Flaskett, 21, and her husband James, 22, have been advocating on behalf of Thea’s legacy for changes to ensure young mums are listened to and circumstances they believe led to their baby’s death are avoided.

The couple met with Health Minister Shannon Fentiman on Tuesday.

Ms Fentiman confirmed “common sense improvements” would be immediately made, despite an ongoing clinical review of the care received by Ms Flaskett and Thea.

This includes increasing training in advanced neonatal resuscitation for clinicians working in birthing suites and nurseries, providing clearer advice on risks and options of induction medications, and expanding post-natal support for women who experience still birth or neonatal death.

The post-natal support includes home visits and fast-tracking grief and psychological counselling.

“These are simple changes, but they will make an enormous difference for families,” Ms Fentiman said.

The findings of the full clinical review are expected to be handed down on December 21. The coroner and Health Ombudsman are undertaking separate investigations.