An inquest into the death of a baby after an advanced neonatal nurse practitioner missed “red flag” signs of a bowel obstruction during a phone consultation has again cast the issue of safe remote care into the spotlight.
Jax Miller died at 1 day old of volvulus, which occurs when a loop of intestine twists around itself and causes a bowel obstruction. It is known to be a critical medical emergency.
A number of doctors have expressed concern about the case on social media, particularly about the lack of a face-to-face consultation and the wider issue of non-medical professionals taking on roles traditionally held by doctors.
Jax was born on 7 June 2023 at the Princess Royal Hospital in Sussex and discharged home after a normal newborn and infant physical exam. Only one feed had been recorded before discharge, and Jax’s mother had been concerned about his reluctance to feed. She had also reported that Jax had vomited several times, which was not further investigated.
After discharge Jax remained reluctant to feed and continued to vomit. …
