Vanessa Cashman of 12KBW instructed by Diane Rostron of Addies, is representing the family of Noah James Sullivan at an inquest into his death following a severe brain injury sustained during his birth at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital’s Tirion Birthing Centre in December 2023. He died in October 2025.
At a pre-inquest review hearing, the court heard that Noah developed hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy. A five-day inquest due to take place in 2027 will examine a number of issues surrounding Noah’s care, including whether a breech presentation should have been identified during pregnancy and whether this should have resulted in a referral to a hospital with obstetric services available for more complicated births. The inquest will also consider the antenatal care provided, the emergency escalation and transfer arrangements, and whether delivery by Caesarean section should have been undertaken.
Representing Noah’s parents, Ffion James and Ben Sullivan, Vanessa told the pre-inquest hearing that delays in resuscitation may have contributed to the severity of Noah’s injury. She told the hearing that Noah was not intubated until 14 minutes after birth, did not receive adrenaline for around 20 minutes, and that it took approximately 21 minutes for his heart rate to be restored.
Vanessa asked the Coroner to consider the treatment Noah received for an illness shortly before his death and requested disclosure of data and audits relating to maternity transfers from the birthing centre and information concerning the unit’s recent closure.
Further details can be found in the BBC’s coverage of the hearing here.
