‘I never want this to happen again’

A mother, whose second child was born in traumatic circumstances and later required resuscitation at Cavan General Hospital, has told an inquiry she wants to save other families from the same experience.

Consultant obstetrician Salah Aziz Ahmed faces allegations of poor professional performance and professional misconduct relating to three women who gave birth at Cavan General Hospital between November 2012 and April 2014.

Yesterday, Deirdre Clarke, 37, continued to give her evidence at the Medical Council fitness-to-practise inquiry.

Ms Clarke’s baby, named Roland after his father, was born by emergency caesarean section on June 5, 2013.

He was born in poor condition and the paediatric team had to resuscitate him in theatre. At that time, Dr Aziz began to repair Ms Clarke’s uterus, which had ruptured.

“I could see the gravity of what was occurring in his face,” said Ms Clarke. “It was a hot day, and he was sweating. Dr Aziz saved my womb, which I am very grateful for.”

Roland was transferred to the Rotunda. Tests proved positive and he is now a normal, healthy three-year-old.

Ms Clarke expressed concerns about her six-week post-natal check-up with Dr Aziz in August 2013.

The inquiry heard that Dr Aziz’s notes state he had a lengthy discussion with Ms Clarke about the birth, and offered to answer any questions she might have. Ms Clarke said she does not recall any lengthy discussion and was unable to ask any questions at that time.

“I just listened. I was very vulnerable at that time. My body was still in shock.”

In August 2013, Ms Clarke was admitted to hospital again, suffering from abdominal pain, and she had another surgery, to address an issue with her bowels. “Everything in my body was very upset after the uterine rupture,” she said.

In November 2013, Ms Clarke wrote a letter to Cavan hospital, outlining her concerns regarding the syntocinon and the prostaglandin gel given to her during her birth which, she said, placed her at higher risk for a uterine rupture, given she had delivered her first son by caesarean section.

“My main reason for pursuing this is that I never want this to happen again to another woman or child.”

Eileen Barrington, for Dr Aziz, said he will argue he discussed the mode of delivery at his ante-natal appointment with Ms Clarke in November 2012. He will say he would have told Ms Clarke a vaginal delivery was a safer option for her unless complications arose.

The inquiry continues.