Arabic version: تحقيق قضائي يبحث وفاة المولود ألبي سبريدبورو

According to ABC News, a second coronial inquest has begun into the death of newborn Alby Spreadborough at Emerald Hospital in central Queensland on February 6, 2023. The four-day hearing in Townsville is examining an obstructed labour and the medical care provided during the birth.

Alby’s parents, Tim and Rebecca Spreadborough, gave evidence. Rebecca Spreadborough told the court she felt “dismissed” when she requested a caesarean section while in “excruciating pain” during labour. She said she was advised to continue the vaginal birth for another hour and later firmly requested a caesarean before being taken to the operating theatre.

Ms Spreadborough said she understood something had gone wrong during the operation when she heard doctors attempting to revive her baby. She and her husband told the court they did not recall discussions with doctors about abnormalities in scans. Ms Spreadborough recalled being told the baby was “really happy on the CTG [cardiotocograph]”.

Rural generalist Brooke Davies, the doctor during the birth, told the inquest Ms Spreadborough had developed a rare condition known as a Bandl’s ring, a ring of muscle constricting between the upper and lower sections of the uterus. Dr Davies said it was the first time she had seen the condition and described cutting through it as being “like I had cut through a steel ring rather than a rubber band.” Emerald Hospital did not have a dedicated paediatrician at the time.

An initial central coroner’s report in February 2025 found Alby’s death was not preventable and resulted from the Bandl’s ring. After the family raised concerns about the report’s focus on care surrounding the complication, Attorney-General Deb Frecklington ordered the inquest. Deputy State Coroner Stephanie Gallagher will consider whether a caesarean should have been performed earlier, whether that could have changed the outcome, and whether the operation’s manner and performance contributed to Alby’s death.