Alissa Norton

I am Joanne ANDREWS, Area Coroner for the coroner area of West Sussex, Brighton and Hove

On 13 July 2022 I commenced an investigation into the death of Alissa Claire NORTON aged 4 Days. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 22 February 2024. The conclusion of the inquest was that: Alissa Claire Norton died on 22 April 2022 at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Eastern Road, Brighton from a hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy caused by chorioamnionitis which she was exposed to prior to her birth on 18 April 2022.

Alissa Claire Norton died on 22 April 2022 at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Eastern Road, Brighton from a hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy caused by chorioamnionitis which she was exposed to prior to her birth on 18 April 2022 at Worthing Hospital, West Sussex.

During the course of the investigation my inquiries revealed matters giving rise to concern. In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken. In the circumstances it is my statutory duty to report to you. The MATTERS OF CONCERN are as follows: Alissa Claire Norton was born on 18 April 2022 at 39 + 5 weeks gestation at Worthing Hospital. At the time of and after Alissa’s birth there were two midwives present as per Trust Policy. One midwife was primarily looking after Mrs Norton and the other her daughter Alissa. The evidence that I heard was that the majority of the notes which were adduced in evidence as to the events and treatment of Alissa were completed retrospectively on the next day (19 April 2022) by the midwife who cared for Mrs Norton. There were very limited notes completed by the midwife caring for Alissa at the time or at any time thereafter. Therefore, there was limited documented information available to treating clinicians following Alissa’s birth as to the events and treatment which had been provided to her. The inquest heard that some of the notes completed retrospectively were based on assumption rather than first hand knowledge. This was not clear in the notes.

In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you (and/or your organisation) have the power to take such action.