Mum dies after giving birth in Burnley General Hospital: official probe

The 40-year-old mum, who is from Blackburn, died suddenly on a maternity ward at the Lancashire Women and Newborn Centre on Sunday.

Her baby is believed to be healthy.

East Lancashire Coroner Mr Richard Taylor has been informed and the woman’s family has been notified though no other details have been released at this stage.

A post-mortem examination by a specialist pathologist in Manchester was due to take place yesterday.

Coroner’s officer Mr Steve Rothwell said the case was “very unusual.”

“We will have to wait for the results of the post-mortem but it may be that this was a tragic death from natural causes,” he said.

Mrs Rineke Schram, medical director and consultant obstetrician for East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “Sadly, a woman died soon after giving birth at the Lancashire Women and Newborn Centre at Burnley General Hospital.

“In line with national guidelines, the coroner has been informed and an internal investigation will be carried out.”