A coroner has ruled that neglect contributed to the death of baby Jasper Brooks at Darent Valley Hospital in Kent. The coroner found gross failures by midwives and consultants at the hospital, stating that Jasper's death was "wholly avoidable." Jasper's parents, Jim and Phoebe Brooks, alleged that midwives repeatedly failed to listen to their concerns during labor.
Jasper was born without a heartbeat, and errors continued during resuscitation attempts. Although his heartbeat eventually returned, Jasper died at the age of 23 hours. This case adds to growing concerns about maternity care in the UK, with calls for a national inquiry into avoidable harm and death.