Midwife faces prison over death of foetus

A MIDWIFE at Son Llatzer Hospital is being tried in Palma this week for alleged medical negligence resulting in the death of a foetus in 2006. The prosecution is seeking a five-month prison-sentence and three year’s disqualification.

At 10pm the patient arrived at the hospital and was examined by the midwife before being transferred to a floor where nurses are in charge.

Three hours later the woman was experiencing more pain. A painkiller was administered and the woman fell asleep.

While the midwife claims that she measured the fetal heart rate at this time, the patient says this was not done and that she informed the accused that she was experiencing contractions every two minutes.

By 9am the infant had died from asphyxia and fetal distress, according to the coroner, who claims that a more thorough examination should have been done and the gynecologist informed of the frequency of contractions.

The actions of the midwife were correct, according to a senior doctor at the hospital.

Defense lawyer Javier Clastre has asked that the accused be acquitted of the charges.