We are proud to announce that Stewarts has joined the legal panel for PEEPS, the only UK charity dedicated to supporting those affected by hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE). Caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain either before or after birth, HIE can cause serious brain injury.
Stewarts will support PEEPS to increase awareness and understanding of HIE, and use our expertise to advise families who have been affected. We will help those affected navigate any potential legal claims and provide any other legal support they may require.
Katherine Fitter and Amy Fielding, partners in our Clinical Negligence team will act as the lead partners in the panel relationship, supported by Alexandra Bennett and Victoria Williams.
More about PEEPS
PEEPS was set up in 2018 by parents Sarah and Steve Land. The name came from friends who affectionately referred to their daughter Heidi as “Heidi-Peeps”. Born in 2015, Heidi stopped breathing shortly after birth and was admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit where Sarah and Steve first heard the term HIE.
Hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy means a lack of oxygen and blood flow to the brain. It can occur before, during, or shortly after labour, and can also occur in older children. You may also hear the term “asphyxia” or “birth asphyxia”, which mean the same thing.
HIE can cause injury to the brain, but the severity of this can vary greatly. There is currently no cure for HIE and it is hard to predict how children will be affected in later life, but some may be diagnosed with lifelong conditions such as cerebral palsy.
PEEPS provides information for those affected by HIE via parent packs, posters and leaflets that are shared with Neonatal Intensive Care Units. They also provide mental health support via both peer support and by providing access to trained counsellors. PEEPS can provide grants for purchasing specialist equipment, and have also set up a coffee pot fund to provide sustenance and support to families whose child is in hospital.
To learn more about PEEPS and how to support their cause, please visit their website.
You can find further information regarding our expertise, experience and team on our Clinical Negligence pages.
If you require assistance from our team, please contact us.
Subscribe – In order to receive our news straight to your inbox, subscribe here. Our newsletters are sent no more than once a month.
