Family left devastated by Spencer’s death

THE devastated family of a baby who died after failings in care during his birth at the Royal Oldham Hospital have said they are heartbroken, knowing his death could have been avoided.

Yesterday an inquest heard how Spencer Butler might have survived if doctors at the hospital had carried out a Caesarean section earlier.

Attempts were made to induce Natasha Butler, who was two weeks overdue, before she was transferred to the labour ward when Spencer showed signs of distress on May 17.

An emergency Caesarean section was performed but Spencer died as a result of an inadequate supply of oxygen — 33 minutes later.

The inquest heard there was a gross failure in care and a catalogue of missed opportunities leading to Spencer’s death.

Sean and Natasha Butler, from Chadderton, said: “To come home without Spencer was heartbreaking and the hardest thing is knowing that his death could have been avoided.

“There was nothing wrong with him, he was a healthy baby and there isn’t a day goes by that we don’t get upset about that and wish he was still here. We can’t help but be angry about everything the hospital has put us through.

Since baby Spencer’s death, the family has raised over £5,000 for the Make a Wish Foundation.

A clinical negligence specialist at law firm Slater and Gordon is representing the family in a civil action against Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the hospital.

Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust has apologised to the family and has made major revisions to its delivery procedures since the death.