Mother cradles dying baby in full PPE at Northern Ireland hospital, July 2021

Catherine Todd, a mother from Northern Ireland, shared her harrowing experience during the Covid Inquiry regarding the birth of her son, Ziggy, who was born prematurely at around 28 weeks in July 2021. Todd contracted Covid while pregnant and expressed her concerns about the safety protocols in place at the hospital. She felt that her condition as a Covid-positive patient affected the level of care and information provided to her about her baby's health. After Ziggy's birth, he was placed in a neonatal intensive care unit and kept in an incubator. Todd and her partner were initially optimistic about their son's condition, believing it was improving. However, they were later informed of the severity of Ziggy's health issues, which raised questions about the hospital's communication and care practices. Todd noted that the staff's reluctance to enter her room frequently due to her Covid status may have hindered the information flow regarding her baby's condition. During her testimony, Todd recounted the distressing moment when she had to wear full personal protective equipment (PPE) while cradling her dying baby in her arms. This experience highlighted the emotional and physical toll that the pandemic had on families, particularly those facing critical health challenges. Ultimately, Todd's testimony sheds light on the broader implications of the pandemic on healthcare systems, emphasizing the need for improved communication and care for patients, especially those who are vulnerable during such unprecedented times.