Ruth and Martin Kennedy, devastated parents of Finn Kennedy, are awaiting the conclusion of an inquest this month in hopes of uncovering the circumstances surrounding their son’s tragic passing.

Finn, the first child of Ruth and Martin, was born on June 23, 2021, at the Oasis Birth Centre, a midwife-led unit within the Princess Royal University Hospital in Orpington. However, his entrance into the world was marred by a significant hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) injury during labour.

Following his birth, Finn was immediately transferred to the Kings College Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for urgent medical attention. Despite efforts to save him, Finn tragically passed away eight days later on July 1, 2021, after the decision was made to switch off his life support machine.

The trauma of Finn’s birth has left Ruth, an NHS Speech and Language Therapist, grappling with physical and emotional scars. She endured a third-degree tear during labour, requiring surgical intervention, and continues to battle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of her harrowing experience.

Similarly, Martin, a Quantity Surveyor, has been profoundly affected by witnessing Finn’s birth and being involved in the heartbreaking decision to end his son’s life. Both parents have been enduring immense psychological distress in the aftermath of their son’s passing.

An inquest into Finn’s death commenced at Inner South London Coroner’s Court on March 11 and concluded on March 12. The inquest is scheduled to reconvene on April 25, 2024, with Ruth and Martin eagerly anticipating the outcome in the hope of finding closure and understanding surrounding their son’s untimely demise.

Representing the Kennedy family is Clinical Negligence Solicitor and birth injury claims specialist, Bethany Kyle from Ashtons Legal. Kyle is providing invaluable support to the couple throughout the inquest proceedings and assisting them with a civil claim against the hospital.

As the Kennedy family continues to grapple with the profound loss of their beloved Finn, they remain hopeful that the forthcoming conclusion of the inquest will shed light on the events leading to his tragic passing, offering them the answers and closure they desperately seek.