Maurice Blackburn

We want answers from Qld Health: mother of Bela Heidrich speaks out

The family of baby Bela Heidrich, who died at Rockhampton hospital in 2008 have criticised Qld Health for failing to adequately respond publicly to the Coroner's recommendations on maternity care released a month ago.

Christine Mercer, Maurice Blackburn senior associate who is acting for Zelia Blomfield, Bela's mother, said the family was feeling frustrated.

"The Blomfield family feels strongly that the response of Qld Health has been inadequate to date. The Coroner made a series of recommendations about reforming the way new mothers are cared for in all public maternity hospitals across the state, and so far Qld Health have said they will only 'consider' the findings.

Coroner Annette Hennessy found that the healthy baby, Bela Heidrich died within hours of birth from mechanical asphyxia due to, or as a consequence of, overlaying.

"Ms Blomfield would like Qld Health to emphasise to new mothers, the risks of breastfeeding newborns while lying down in bed feeling exhausted."

She is asking the following questions:

What steps is Qld Health taking to ensure that the 2005 policy on 'Safe infant care to reduce the risk of sudden infant syndrome' is being adhered to in maternity hospitals?

How will Qld Health make sure midwives are aware of the findings and that new mothers are aware of the risks of co-sleeping and bed sharing?

Ms Blomfield said:

"The Coroner said lots of important things, Queensland uni is doing a study on co-sleeping, but I don't hear anything much from Qld Health. They owe it to new mothers in Qld who want to know whether they are going to start educating people about co-sleeping with newborn babies.

"I want to see them taking this issue seriously.

"In country areas in particular mums don't get the education they need before having their babies. I come from Gayndah, a town of 4000 people south of Rockhampton - we didn't have much on offer. Its not just Rockhampton Hospital that has to change - it has to be right across the state. I hate the thought of this happening to anybody else.

"I want to see Qld Health report back to the people of Qld in six months the progress they have made in adopting the Coroner's recommendations."

Ms Mercer said that an earlier death of a newborn in similar circumstances had led to changes but only at the Mater Hospital in Brisbane. Maurice Blackburn lawyers also represented the family of baby Arisa Huber who was accidentally suffocated in 2005 at the Mater Hospital. The Coroner's recommendations from this case led to changed policies at that hospital, including better training for staff and more education for new mothers, especially involving the dangers of having a baby in bed with them.

Background

Media inquiries

PLEASE NOTE: Ms Blomfield is NOT granting interviews and has requested that the media respect her privacy. Christine Mercer, her lawyer, is available for interview.