Hospital Gave Wrong Baby to Breastfeeding Mum, Hearing Told

A new mother was given a stranger's baby to breastfeed in a hospital blunder, a disciplinary panel has heard.

Two patients at Bassetlaw Hsopital, Worksop, Notts, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had their babies switched by mistake only hours after they were born.

Registered midwife Jill Ashmore of Bassetlaw Hospital, Worksop, Notts, has been accused of lying to cover up the alleged mistake, which was said to have happened in November 2007.

Ashmore told a student midwife to keep quiet and not "drop anybody in the s**t", the tribunal heard. She also failed to document the incident.

The tribunal was also told that when the babies were handed to their rightful mums, known as Mother A and Mother B, Ashmore lied to Mother A by telling her that her child had not been fed.

David Clarke, for the Nursing and Midwifery Council, told the court: "The baby had been breastfed by Mother B - who thought she was feeding her own baby.

"During the course of an internal investigation the registrant attempted to influence what a student midwife, who was present, was going to say to that investigation."

Nightshift midwife Ashmore, who faces being struck off if found guilty, denies misconduct but admits failing to record the error or inform anyone.

The hearing continues.