Coroner calls for inquest into newborn's death
THE NSW Coroner has confirmed an inquest will be held into the death of a newborn baby following his mother's traumatic labour at two Tweed hospitals in 2014.
A spokesperson for the Coroner's Court said the objective of the inquest, to be held at Ballina Coroner's Court from November 28 to December 2, would be to determine the cause of death of Jack Magalhaes.
Jack's mother was admitted to Murwillumbah Hospital at the start of her labour before being transferred to Tweed Hospital for an emergency caesarean, where Jack was born on January 1, 2014. Jack was later transferred to Brisbane's Mater Mothers' Hospital where his life support was ceased three days later.
Deputy State Coroner Magistrate Helen Barry will preside over the inquest which is open to the public, with witnesses expected to make statements from Northern NSW Local Health District.
Magistrate Barry's aim is to investigate the circumstances that led up to the death of baby Jack and to determine the medical cause of his death.
She can make recommendations to NSW Health with a view to improving public safety and has the power to refer findings to the Director of Public Prosecutions who can decide if any charges should be laid.
