Stafford mum and newborn baby saved thanks to quick thinking staff at University Hospitals of North Midlands
The lives of a Stafford mum and her unborn baby were saved thanks to quick thinking teams from University Hospitals of North Midlands (UHNM) after she suffered a cardiac arrest in the waiting area of Royal Stoke’s Emergency Department (ED).
Natasha Sokunbi, from Stafford, was 37 weeks pregnant when she attended ED on Tuesday 3 December 2024, suffering from difficulty breathing, chest pains and a persistent cough.
It was while in ED that the 30-year-old mental health support worker, suffered the cardiac arrest, requiring the life-saving treatment from trauma, obstetric, anaesthetist and maternity staff, with baby Beau safely delivered via emergency caesarean section weighing 6lbs 7oz moments later.
Following the emergency procedure, Natasha was placed in an induced coma and transferred to UHNM’s Critical Care Unit, whilst Beau received care from specialist paediatric and neonatal teams.
After spending two days in UHNM’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Beau was able to go home with Natasha’s husband, Ayo.
Natasha was reunited with Beau and 14-month-old daughter, Love, in time for Christmas following two weeks on UHNM’s Coronary Care Unit and Cardiology ward.
Natasha, originally from the South Wales Valleys, said: “I wasn’t feeling well for a couple of weeks because of chest infection. On that morning I called 111 who advised me to make my way to the Royal Stoke.
“After suffering the cardiac arrest, I can remember parts of my treatment before waking up in Critical Care. My first thought was where’s my kids. I didn’t know what gender baby I was having until my husband told me and showed me a photo of Beau.
“When she came to visit me, I couldn’t hold her very well, but I always tried to do skin to skin with her.”
It was during her hospital recovery that Natasha had an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) fitted.
She said: “Being a mum of two is great and I’m regaining my strength and independence. Beau is a miracle, and you can never fully put what they’ve done for us it into words. The staff were all fantastic.
“Now I’m much more appreciative of life and won’t take anything for granted ever again.”
In recognition of their actions, UHNM staff involved in the care of Natasha and Beau were today presented with UHNM’s Chief Executive Award.
Dr Simon Constable, Chief Executive said: “The teamwork required to save two lives was absolutely incredible. This was fortunately a very rare occurrence, but everyone involved responded quickly and appropriately, even though it was the very end of the night shift for many. They knew their roles and applied their knowledge and skills to deliver the best possible outcome for both mother and baby.
“Thanks to the combined efforts, skills and experience of our UHNM staff Natasha and Beau were able to enjoy a special Christmas together with their family.”
One of the first doctors to respond to Natasha’s cardiac arrest was Dr Andrew Bennett, Specialist Doctor in Emergency Medicine.
Dr Bennett said: “As difficult as this it was for all involved, this must be one of the proudest moments of my career. I’m so proud to work with such a dedicated team, not only those in the Emergency Department, but those speciality teams including anaesthetics, obstetrics, paediatrics, and critical care who responded so efficiently to come and aid this lady. It is such an incredible team effort.”