'Most Precious and Perfect': Baby Dies Eight Days After Birth as Parents Question What Hospital Told Them

A baby boy described by his parents as their 'most precious and perfect' child died just eight days after being born by Caesarean section, as an inquest heard concerns about what his parents were told about his condition.

Richard George was born at Blackpool Victoria Hospital in December 2024 when his mother, Jossymol George, was 36 weeks pregnant. His mother had maternal diabetes and had noticed reduced movements before going to hospital, according to evidence reported by the BBC.

Richard was later transferred to Royal Preston Hospital for specialist treatment but did not improve. After eight days, his parents made the decision to withdraw intensive care.

The three-day inquest at Blackpool Coroner's Court is examining the circumstances surrounding his death and the care provided before and after his birth. The case has also raised questions over whether his parents were given enough information about how seriously ill their son was.

Parents Say They Were Not Told How Sick Richard Was

In a statement read to the inquest, Richard's parents said they had been 'over the moon' about completing their family with their third child. But they said they were not made aware of the full seriousness of his condition after he was born.

The couple said medical staff told them Richard was unwell and that he would require neonatal care, but they claimed they did not understand that he had suffered a lack of oxygen or potentially sustained a brain injury.

'We weren't told he had suffered a lack of oxygen,' they said in their statement. 'At no point were we told he might have suffered a brain injury.'

They also said there appeared to be 'no real urgency' among medical staff, who seemed 'very relaxed' despite their son's condition.

Midwife Raised Concerns Over Pregnancy

The inquest heard that hospital staff were aware Jossymol had maternal diabetes and that her two previous children had also been delivered by Caesarean section. Midwife Debbie Gornall, who cared for Jossymol before Richard's birth, said in a statement that she considered her to be a high-risk patient.

She also said she believed a heart scan carried out before Richard was born was abnormal, but claimed the registrar on duty did not act on the result. The evidence forms part of an ongoing inquest, and no final findings have yet been made about whether any medical care contributed to Richard's death.

According to reports, Richard was eventually transferred to Royal Preston Hospital, where his condition continued to deteriorate.

Family 'Completely Devastated' by Baby's Death

Richard died on 11 December 2024, eight days after his birth. His death has left his parents and siblings struggling to cope with the loss of a baby they had expected to bring home as the newest member of their family.

His parents told the inquest that their six-year-old daughter carries a doll named Richard, while their 10-year-old son writes about his baby brother in his daily diary. The family described Richard as their 'most precious and perfect baby boy' and said they were 'completely devastated' by his death.

The Blackpool Gazette has also published photographs of Richard as the inquest examines the circumstances surrounding his short life. The hearing remains ongoing, with further evidence expected before the coroner reaches conclusions about what happened in the days surrounding Richard's birth and death.