Midwife criticised after newborn dies following period of lack of supervision

NZ HeraldRNZOtago Daily TimesTuesday 29 July 2025 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated
Photo: NZ Herald (opens in new tab)

A coroner has criticised a midwife for leaving a room for 25 minutes to complete administrative tasks. The newborn baby died after becoming unresponsive following a breastfeeding session. Hospital staff attempted to revive the infant, but she passed away after being transferred to intensive care.

How they headlined it

First reported by NZ Herald, Tue 29 Jul 2025, 5:00am · 3 reports from 3 outlets over 14 hours
  1. NZ HeraldNZ Herald

    Breastfeeding baby died after ‘distracted’ midwife Lesa Haynes left room for 25 minutes (opens in new tab)

  2. RNZRNZ

    Breastfeeding baby died after ‘distracted’ midwife left room for 25 minutes (opens in new tab)

  3. Otago Daily TimesOtago Daily Times

    'Distracted' midwife criticised after breastfeeding baby dies (opens in new tab)