Tragic death of 17-year old mum to be

Reporter: Jan Harwood
Date online: 04/08/2008

A teenage mum-to-be died while suffering agonising pains the day after she had been sent home from Rochdale Infirmary.

17-year old Kayleigh Burke, who was 29 weeks pregnant, went to the Infirmary when she started suffering the pains and thought she may be in labour.

Kayleigh and her fiance Shane, 17, had been expecting a baby boy, who they had already named Mason.

Her family said that doctors gave her antibiotics for a diagnosed urine infection and sent her home.

Distressed relatives made a number of phone calls saying that Kayleigh, from Ansdell Road, Turf Hill, was feeling a lot worse and had started to be sick. Medical staff told the family there was nothing they could do.

Kayleigh's condition continued to worsen and she learned that her baby had died when she returned to hospital the next day.

Doctors in the A&E department at Rochdale Infirmary fought for nearly five hours to save Kayleigh's life but her heart failed.

Kayleigh had suffered from a rare heart condition that caused her to produce too many red blood cells. Her family said that her pregnancy had stabilised her condition and that she had not needed her usual treatment for several months.

Kayleigh and baby Mason are expected to be examined by pathologists later today (Monday 4 August).

A spokesman for Rochdale Infirmary said: "Our condolences go to Kayleigh's family, with whom we have already spoken. Both A&E and maternity staff were deeply distressed and we have offered them additional help and support.

"The coroner has been notified and we are unable to comment further at this stage."