19th April 2023 – The inquest into the deaths of the two young mothers who died of disseminated herpes simplex virus two months apart have begun today at the Shepway Centre, Maidstone before Assistant Coroner Catherine Wood. Samantha (32 at death) died at William Harvey Hospital, Ashford mere days after the delivery of her first child via c-section. This occurred just after Kimberly (29 at death) had died after treatment at Queen Elizabeth Queen Mother Hospital, Margate following a c-section she underwent to deliver her second child.
The Central and South East Kent Coroners Service discontinued inquest proceedings into the deaths in 2019 however coronial enquiries were re-opened in 2022 on requests for further investigation by the families and BBC News in respect of the potential link between the women’s deaths.
The Coroner will hear the case without a jury with Samantha’s family, Kimberly’s family, East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust and Pauline Treadwell (Occupational Health Senior Nurse for the East Kent Trust) appearing before her as Interested Parties.
Samantha’s husband Ryan Mulcahy is represented by Fairweathers Solicitors LLP and by barrister Richard Baker of 7 Bedford Row Chambers, London.
The hearing is listed to last for 7 days.
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