What can healthcare learn from the death of baby Alexandra? – The Guardian

On the 28th May, we’re launching “Alexandra’s Story” in collaboration with The Guardian “Comment is Free” to highlight the experiences of Drs. Beatrix and Craig Campbell, whose daughter Alexandra died aged 3 days following a severe spinal injury during her birth.

The story is based on the testimony of Dr Beatrix Futak-Campbell, Alexandra’s mother. It is a harrowing and tragic account which raises many issues for professionals involved in caring for parents in labour including use of the controversial Keilland’s forcep mode of instrumental delivery.

But the film’s major theme is that of “making amends” and raises the challenging and uncomfortable subject of what happens when different realities collide after harm has occurred.

As we have made clear in our accompanying article, this film should not be mistaken for an attack on the NHS or those who work within it. Healthcare is a “risky business”, more than most would like to admit. As more becomes technically possible and our expectations of services grow, the balance of power in day-to-day clinical practice must change too.

We hope that by working with a broadcast media partner we will be able to stimulate a debate amongst professionals, patients and the wider public, about this crucial area of practice.

This film is a contribution to the debate on how we can make that happen.