Parents of brain-injured baby call for public inquiry

Parents of a Bradford baby left with a catastrophic brain injury are calling for a full public inquiry into UK maternity services after delays during delivery.

Muhammad Khan, known as Azlaan, was born on 25 February without a heartbeat after his mother Javeria reported reduced movements at almost 39 weeks at Bradford Royal Infirmary.

His delivery was delayed for several hours, and he required prolonged resuscitation after birth.

He was later diagnosed with grade three hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy – the most severe form of oxygen-related brain injury – and now needs 24-hour care for permanent, complex disabilities.

Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (BTHFT) has apologised, admitting it “had not provided the high standards of care that Muhammad’s family should expect of us.”

The trust is among those included in a national review led by Baroness Amos, but Muhammad’s parents say this lacks the powers needed to deliver real accountability.

Kamran, Muhammad’s father, said: “We trusted the hospital with our baby’s life – instead, we were made to wait while Muhammad’s condition got worse by the minute.

“Nothing can undo what happened – and every day we live with the consequences.

“Our son will need 24-hour care for the rest of his life.

“We are speaking out not just for him, but for every family that puts their trust in maternity care.

“While we welcome that Bradford is now under investigation, we don’t believe this review will deliver the answers or accountability families deserve.

“Only a full public inquiry, with the power to compel evidence and hold those responsible to account, can do that.”

A spokesperson for BTHFT said: “We sincerely apologise for the distressing experience that Muhammad and his family have been through.

“We recognise the significant impact this has and will have on Muhammad and his family.

“As a trust, we know the importance of giving every child the best start in life and for Muhammad we have not done so.

“We have met with the family this week, to understand more about their experience including answering any questions they have and how we can work with them to make the improvements they rightly seek.”