Tragic Outcome: Two Women Who Had C-Sections with Same Surgeon Contracted Herpes and Died, Inquest Reveals

A recent inquest in the UK revealed the harrowing details of two women who contracted herpes and died after undergoing C-section procedures with the same surgeon.

The Story

The inquest, held in January 2021, heard that the surgeon, Dr. Babatunde Coker, was responsible for the death of two women, X and Y, who contracted herpes during separate C-sections in 2018. The women were not identified, but it was revealed that they were healthy prior to their surgeries. Dr. Coker was suspended by the General Medical Council in December 2019, pending further investigation. He had previously worked at the Royal London Hospital and the Homerton University Hospital, and still has a licence to practice.

Herpes Presentation

Herpes is a highly contagious virus that can be contracted through direct contact with a person who is infected or through contact with an infected object, such as clothing or towels. It can cause cold sores, genital sores, and other conditions, and can be particularly dangerous for people with weakened immune systems, such as newborn babies and individuals with HIV/AIDS. In this case, it was believed that the herpes was transmitted to the women during the C-section procedure, likely due to poor infection control practices.

Investigations

The inquest revealed that Dr. Coker had not followed proper infection control procedures when performing the surgeries. He had not changed his gloves or washed his hands between patients, and had not worn protective clothing or face masks when necessary. The hospital where the surgeries took place, St George’s University Hospital in London, was also found to have numerous lapses in infection control practices. The hospital’s maternity unit was rated inadequate by the Care Quality Commission in 2019 due to numerous failings, including poor infection control practices.

Legal Actions

The families of the deceased have called for charges to be brought against Dr. Coker and for the hospital to be held accountable for its lapses in infection control practices. The hospital has issued an apology for the “poor care and treatment” provided to the women and their families. Dr. Coker has yet to respond to the allegations, and it is not yet known whether criminal charges will be brought against him.

Takeaway

This tragic outcome highlights the importance of proper infection control practices in medical settings. Patients trust their healthcare providers to take all necessary precautions to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, and failure to do so can have deadly consequences. The families of the deceased women are rightfully seeking accountability for the lapses in care that led to their loved ones’ deaths.

Summary: A recent inquest revealed that two women who had C-sections with the same surgeon contracted herpes and died due to poor infection control practices. The hospital where the surgeries took place was found to have numerous lapses in infection control practices. The families of the deceased are seeking accountability for the lapses in care that led to their loved ones’ deaths. #HEALTH