Oxford father speaks out on impact of maternity and neonatal care issues
Marley Mason believes problems with care may have contributed to his daughter's disabilities
A father whose daughter requires round-the-clock care has shared the impact of his family's experiences with maternity and neonatal services at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.
Marley Mason, from Headington, said the "failings" had a profound effect on him, highlighting how quality of care can also make a significant difference to the lives of partners.
He gave up work to care for his daughter Aria after complications during and after birth, which he believes were largely preventable, resulted in her developing severe medical conditions.
His wife and Aria’s mother, Angel-Kay Mason, also recounted her experience of a pregnancy and birth that she said was met with repeated dismissals by medical staff, even though she was classed as high-risk.
Throughout her pregnancy, Angel-Kay said she experienced severe morning sickness, pain and fatigue, as well as a lack of movement in the later stages, which she said medical staff told her was normal.
Despite her concerns and several hospital visits, she said her symptoms were frequently attributed to her mental health history rather than being thoroughly investigated.
Both Angel-Kay and Marley highlighted a disparity in the way staff responded to her concerns when she attended appointments alone compared with when Marley was present. Marley said:
“The way that they treated her without me there is disgraceful”
Angel-Kay added: “It's almost like if your partner's there you'll listen to you because someone else is saying it - like you have to prove your symptoms in order to be believed in the first place.”
In December 2022, troubling signs regarding fetal health led to an emergency intervention when medical staff identified hydrops – a life-threatening condition – prompting immediate surgery for the birth of Aria.
After the birth, Aria required breathing support, which Marley said this was complicated by equipment failure.
“The machine they put on our daughter to keep her alive was broken"
“So how long was that oxygen not getting to her brain? Is that why my daughter is so ill today?” Marley said.
They described continuing challenges during Aria’s time in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), where communication and coordination difficulties added stress to their situation.
Marley explained that they were trained to provide some aspects of Aria’s care themselves, but said errors and miscommunication left them worried about her safety.
Aria, now three years old, has cerebral palsy and a serious brain condition called hydrocephalus, and requires comprehensive supervision for feeding, bathing and play.
“Every day I see my daughter, it hits me like a tonne of bricks"
“But you have to carry on. It’s what my daughter deserves,” Marley said.
Marley and Angel-Kay said they are pursuing legal action against the John Radcliffe Hospital and are engaging in efforts to campaign for improvements in maternity and neonatal care.
Angel-Kay has also recently launched a petition advocating for safer hospital beds and better support for children with complex needs.
They said they will keep battling until their daughter gets the care that she deserves.
Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) is one of 12 trusts currently being reviewed by Baroness Amos as part of the National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation.
A spokesperson from the trust said: "We recognise how distressing this experience was for Angel-Kay, Marley and their family, and we are truly sorry that Angel-Kay felt unheard before and after Aria’s birth.
"The Trust takes all feedback and concerns extremely seriously and is committed to listening to families, learning from their experiences and continually improving care so every family feels heard and supported."