Welling mother Yaszmin Simpson's death in childbirth to be examined at inquest

An inquest will examine the circumstances leading to the death of Yaszmin Simpson, a 29-year-old expectant mother from Welling, Bexley. Ms Simpson died at King's College Hospital on October 17, 2022, following an emergency caesarean section. Her newborn daughter survived the procedure.

Ms Simpson experienced bleeding and fluid loss on three separate occasions over a 12-day period in the final weeks of her pregnancy. Her family is seeking answers regarding the events that preceded her death.

Timeline of events

Ms Simpson first presented at Princess Royal University Hospital in Orpington on October 6, 2022, reporting bleeding and fluid loss. She was diagnosed with pre-labour rupture of membranes. Two days later, she attended King's College Hospital due to additional bleeding and was admitted for five days. She was discharged on October 13 with plans for a follow-up appointment and a planned caesarean section at 35 weeks.

She returned to King's College Hospital on October 17, complaining of abdominal pain and further fluid loss. Plans were made for a Category 2 caesarean section after a third bleeding episode, which was then upgraded to a Category 1 emergency procedure. While preparing for surgery, Ms Simpson suffered a cardiac arrest and passed away the following morning.

Family seeks answers

Michelle Simpson, Yaszmin's mother, stated that what should have been a happy occasion became a day of loss. She described Yaszmin as a precious daughter who had long dreamed of becoming a mother and had spent months preparing for the birth. Yaszmin, a recruitment consultant, was weeks away from her 30th birthday and was described as always smiling, full of energy, and excited about the future.

The family has instructed specialist medical negligence solicitors Irwin Mitchell to assist them through the upcoming inquest and to help obtain answers. Charlotte Johnson, the solicitor representing the family, said that Yaszmin's death has had a devastating impact and that the inquest is an important opportunity to establish facts and help the family understand the circumstances.

Inquest details

The inquest into Yaszmin Simpson's death is scheduled to begin next Tuesday at London Inner South Coroner's Court. It is anticipated to last up to four days. Ms Simpson is also survived by her father, Roy, sister, Karla, and brother, Wayne.