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A midwife has made an emotional plea to the mother of a 30-minute-old baby boy, who was left at A&E in the early hours of Sunday morning, urging her to come forward for emotional and medical support.
A direct line has now been set up for the mother to get in contact with the midwife looking after her child, Jan Auffret, who yesterday afternoon appealed to her on social media.
It came just hours after a separate appeal by Police, and Children's Services officials.
A direct appeal to the mum of the baby from Jan the midwife who will is waiting to take your call. Ring her on 07797 710885 pic.twitter.com/RNmxWLgICi
— States of Jsy Police (@JerseyPolice) March 18, 2018
They said that they understood the mother’s potential turmoil, but added that she had done the right thing by placing the child in hospital care.
The newborn was found by hospital staff in the department’s waiting area at around 05:40 yesterday morning after being taken there by two unidentified women – both of whom were captured on CCTV.
Following medical assessments, the child – believed to be born within a half half hour of being left at hospital – was found to be “in good health.”
More than 24 hours later, the mother is still yet to be traced. Police say, however, that they are following a number of leads and they have now spoken to several witnesses. They are now working closely with the Health Department to visit expectant mothers in the hope that someone may be able to identify the mother.
Pictured: Superintendent James Wileman said that officials were "extremely concerned" about the mother.
Speaking in an emergency briefing yesterday, Superintendent James Wileman – the police officer leading the investigation – said that his concern was “entirely focused on the welfare of the baby’s mother.”
“We can’t begin to understand how and what she was feeling this morning, and we appreciate that she has taken steps to make sure he is in a safe place with people there to care for him."
Addressing the mother directly, he added: “I know that this morning must have been very difficult and traumatic for you – It’s important that you know there are people available to help and support you. Please do come forward.”
Susan Devlin, Managing Director of Children’s Services, called on the mother’s friends and family to check on her welfare.
Video: Police Superintendent James Wileman and Children’s Services MD Susan Devlin make a direct appeal to the mother.
“This little boy's mum showed she cares about her baby’s safety and welfare when she brought him to the General Hospital where she knew he would receive good care. He is safe and doing well.
“We are concerned about the baby’s mother and want to ask the mum and her friends and family to make sure mum is safe and well too.”
It remains unclear whether either of the two women who took the newborn boy to the hospital was his mother, but Police are asking both to get in contact, as they will know who the mother is.
“We need to speak to both of these women so that we can make sure that the mother is ok and ensure that she receives the medical and emotional support that she might need,” Superintendent Wileman said.
Video: CCTV footage of the two women who brought the newborn to the hospital shows them hesitating outside the building, before one takes the baby in.
Officials are also looking for two members of the public who may be able to assist their investigation: a man who entered A&E from the direction of Gloucester Street before the woman with the baby entered, and another woman who was using the cashpoint outside before entering a red car and driving in the direction of Gloucester Street.
Moved by the news, people across the island have weighed in with their support for the mother on social media. Police appeals have been shared more than 2,000 times, while dozens have offered both words of comfort and baby equipment such as clothing, cots and prams.
Acting Chief Inspector Mark Coxshall thanked the public for their "huge amount of concern and compassion."
He added that the Force was still "incredibly worried about the mother."
Video: Superintendent Wileman explains what the Police know so far.
"We can't begin to imagine how desperate you must have been. Please come forward so that we know you are safe and well. You don't have to call us, you can call [midwife] Jan. She will ensure you are looked after."
“You can contact me directly and I will be available to talk to you on 07797 710885,” Mrs Auffret commented. “We would like to reassure mum that the baby boy is currently being cared for and looked after and is doing well. We want to ensure that mum is provided with the medical support she needs."
Islanders with any information should call 612200 or make an anonymous report to Crimestoppers on 0800 55511.
Police search for mother of newborn baby left at A&E
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