Concerns growing for mother of baby boy left at A&E

Monday 19 March 2018

Jersey Police have renewed calls for the mother of a new-born baby left in the waiting area of the Accident and Emergency Department to come forward, saying they are concerned for her health and wellbeing.

Detective Chief Inspector, Alison Fossey, told a press conference that the little boy - who is thought to have been just 30 minutes old when he was found at around 05:40 on Sunday - is doing well. She added the baby has been given a name.

Their concern remains with his mother as medical experts have advised that she’s likely to be at risk, or is suffering from complications following the birth. They gave another public appeal for her, as well as her family and friends, to come forward. The dedicated phone line for the mum to directly contact midwife Jan Auffret, has now been opened for them to use too - 07797 710 885.

The Managing Director of Children’s Services, Susan Devlin, reached out to the mother saying they don’t know the reasons why she took the decision that she couldn’t look after her baby, but that it must have been “very difficult for you” and she questioned whether the mother still stood by that decision.

Video: Police want to speak to the two women captured on CCTV meeting outside the hospital, before one of them went in the Accident and Emergency department with the baby. 

Ms Devlin revealed that the baby was wrapped in a soft yellow towel, saying he was left in the place where his mum knew he would receive good care and be safe.

“We’re worried about you. We’re worried because giving birth can be exhausting and traumatic even with the help of health staff, so I’d like to ask you, your friends or your family to make sure you are safe and well.

“Come and get checked over, let us make sure that you’re ok and if you need treatment, you can get it” Ms Devlin said.

Video: Midwife Jan Auffet is concerned for the complications that can follow childbirth and is urging the mother or her friends and family to contact her on 07797710885.

Jan reiterated that message, urging the new mum not to be scared and of the importance of the health checks saying: “It’s really important because obviously with childbirth we need to make sure that she’s ok, she’s not bleeding, she hasn’t got any signs of sepsis, infection and when we’re in hospital or in a home birth situation we are always making sure mums are ok. This lady hasn’t had that opportunity to be checked over.”

The police are still unsure whether the baby’s mother is one of the two women seen in CCTV footage meeting up outside the hospital in the early hours of Sunday morning before one of them walked in. However, if it was, then police say at least one other person knows about the baby and are urging that woman to contact them.

The Police and Health Department are desperate to find the mother to make sure the right decisions have been made for the baby’s future.

“As we all grow up, we want to know where we’ve come from, maybe who we look like in our wider family. Your baby will be no different as he grows up and it’s important we have some information to give him. For instance, things like the colour of his hair, his eyes, will he be tall, who does he take after. Or perhaps if there’s any health issues that we should know about that are in the family” added Ms Devlin.

Video: Managing Director of Children's Services, Susan Devlin, urged the baby's mother to come forward to help the boy in future. 

The police thanked the public for the number of calls they’ve received so far following their appeal. They ask anyone with any more information to call 612200 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.