Baby 'should have been given antibiotics' at Kent hospital, inquest hears

A microbiologist has told an inquest the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother (QEQM) Hospital in Margate should have given antibiotics to mother and baby in the case of Archie Powell, who died from an infection four days after his birth.

Professor Keith Cartwright said his mother was at increased risk of streptococcus infection and passing it on to her baby because the birth was premature.

He also said that Archie's life would very likely have been saved if he had been given antibiotics as soon as he displayed symptoms.

Archie Powell was born at the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate, Kent, on 10 February 2019.

It was initially thought he had a bowel problem but Archie, born at a healthy 6lbs 1.5oz in February 2019 and with a twin sister Evalene, deteriorated rapidly and suffered severe brain damage.

The hearing continues.