Shadae Mullard, a former midwife at Liverpool Women’s Hospital, has been struck off from the nursing register by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) after a newborn baby under her care suffered a catastrophic haemorrhage due to a failure to administer vital vitamins. The NMC panel described Mullard’s conduct as “deplorable” and concluded that her actions amounted to serious professional misconduct.
The incident occurred in 2021 when Mullard was called to assist with a home birth but arrived after the baby, referred to as baby A, was born. Despite the crucial need for vitamin K to be administered to newborns to prevent bleeding disorders, Mullard failed to provide the necessary vitamins and then lied to colleagues about having done so. This failure to provide proper care led to baby A being hospitalized a month later with symptoms of vomiting, a weak left arm, and eye rolling. A CT scan revealed a large intracranial haemorrhage, graded as “catastrophic”, and the clotting screen results indicated severe vitamin K deficiency.
After an investigation by the Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust, it was determined that Mullard had not administered the vitamin K to baby A as she had claimed. Instead, she had retrospectively made an entry in the child’s baby record stating that the vitamins had been given on the day of birth, which was not true. This deceitful behavior continued as Mullard also failed to organize blood samples for another patient, known as patient F, and lied to a colleague about completing the task.
The NMC panel found Mullard’s actions to be part of a pattern of deception, involving repeated lies to colleagues and falsifying records. They concluded that her conduct compromised the care of vulnerable patients and caused actual harm to baby A. As a result, Mullard was deemed unfit to practice as a midwife and was struck off from the nursing register.
Impact of the Incident
The case of Shadae Mullard has sent shockwaves through the medical community, raising concerns about the integrity and professionalism of healthcare providers. The failure to administer vital vitamins to a newborn, resulting in serious harm, highlights the importance of adherence to proper medical protocols and ethical standards.
The incident has also had a profound impact on the parents of baby A, who entrusted Mullard with the care of their child during a vulnerable time. The emotional toll of witnessing their newborn suffer from a preventable condition due to negligence and deceit is unimaginable. The family is left grappling with the consequences of Mullard’s actions and the long-term effects on their child’s health.
Moreover, the reputation of Liverpool Women’s Hospital has been tarnished by this incident, as it raises questions about the oversight and accountability within the healthcare system. Patients and their families rely on medical professionals to provide safe and effective care, and any breach of trust can have far-reaching consequences.
Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
In the aftermath of this tragic incident, there are important lessons to be learned and steps to be taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Healthcare providers must prioritize patient safety above all else and adhere to strict guidelines for administering care. Transparency and accountability are essential in maintaining trust with patients and colleagues.
It is crucial for healthcare institutions to have robust systems in place for monitoring and evaluating the performance of their staff. Regular audits and checks can help identify any discrepancies or lapses in care before they escalate into serious harm. Training and education on ethical standards and professional conduct should also be prioritized to ensure that all staff members uphold the highest standards of care.
Patients and their families should feel empowered to ask questions and advocate for their own care. Open communication with healthcare providers can help prevent misunderstandings and ensure that all necessary precautions are taken to safeguard the health and well-being of patients. It is important for patients to be informed about their rights and to speak up if they have any concerns about their treatment.
In conclusion, the case of Shadae Mullard serves as a stark reminder of the importance of integrity, accountability, and patient safety in healthcare. The consequences of negligence and deceit in the medical profession can be devastating, and it is imperative that all healthcare providers uphold the highest standards of care and professionalism. By learning from this tragic incident and implementing measures to prevent similar occurrences, we can strive to ensure that patients receive the quality care they deserve.