In a rural part of Lanarkshire, a family’s joy at expecting a new member turned to sorrow when baby Mirabelle Bosch’s life was cut tragically short. The Bosch family, originally from South Africa, faced the unthinkable when systemic failures led to the loss of their daughter only hours after her birth.
A Systemic Breakdown
The Bosch family’s ordeal began with what should have been a routine home delivery. However, complications arose when Mirabelle was found to be in a breech position—a detail that had been overlooked despite earlier scans. The ensuing events highlighted a series of missteps and communication breakdowns within the medical system.
Paramedics who attended the home were unable to deliver Mirabelle and faced difficulties in getting the specialized help needed. Multiple attempts to contact maternity triage at Wishaw General Hospital went unanswered, delaying the urgent care required.
The Inquiry Unfolds
As the Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) delved into the circumstances surrounding Mirabelle’s death, it became clear that individual and systemic failures played a significant role. The inquiry also encompassed the deaths of two other infants, Ellie McCormick and Leo Lamont, whose families endured similar heartaches.
Testimonies revealed that assumptions made during prenatal care had devastating consequences. The Bosch family was led to believe they were on a safe path, but the reality was far from it. The inquiry heard how Mirabelle’s breech position, identified at a 31-week scan, was mistakenly assumed to have corrected itself by the 37-week assessment.
The Aftermath and Hope for Change
The loss of Mirabelle Bosch has raised serious questions about the practices and protocols in place at the time. The FAI’s findings are expected to bring not only closure to the affected families but also significant changes to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
The Bosch family’s courage in sharing their story has shed light on the need for more rigorous checks and better communication within the healthcare system. Their hope is that no other family will have to endure a similar ordeal.
