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Investigation into hospital procedures after stillbirth tragedy

WARNING, DISTRESSING CONTENT: An internal investigation has revealed that several factors involving a Perth hospital may have contributed to a baby’s death.

Maricel Prado, 30, was admitted to Fiona Stanley Hospital in pain with what she thought was a healthy full-term baby.

Just hours later, her little girl Ysabella was stillborn.

At just over 38 weeks, Maricel attended the hospital in crippling pain, but says staff tried to send her home to wait.

Dennis and Maricel Prado were looking forward to the birth of their baby. Source: 7 News
Dennis and Maricel Prado were looking forward to the birth of their baby. Source: 7 News

“She asked me if I wanted morphine and then I said yes, I didn’t ask anything at all after that because I trusted her,” Maricel said.

Maricel was told she was in labour, given a spare bed then staff left.

Two hours later, she delivered a stillborn girl.

Maricel Prado, 30, was admitted to the hospital in pain with what she thought was a healthy full-term baby. Source: 7 News
Maricel Prado, 30, was admitted to the hospital in pain with what she thought was a healthy full-term baby. Source: 7 News

An internal investigation by Fiona Stanley Hospital found several factors contributed to the baby’s death: communication between staff, the unit being busy at the time, and an incomplete medical assessment on admission.

“This may have led to a missed opportunity for closer monitoring, of Mrs Prado and her baby, although it could not be determined if this would have changed the very sad outcome,” clinical services director Dr Paul Mark said.

Following the baby’s death, the hospital recommended that an email be sent to staff, and a “lessons learnt” poster be made.

“I’ve tried to be strong but deep inside I can’t,” Mrs Prado said. Source: 7 News
“I’ve tried to be strong but deep inside I can’t,” Mrs Prado said. Source: 7 News

Maricel and Dennis Prado say nothing will ever bring back their baby daughter, but hope the hospital learns from the mistakes so no other family has to suffer like they have.

“I’ve tried to be strong but deep inside I can’t,” an emotional Mrs Prado said.