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Walsall mum stole identity to try to keep baby Walsall mum stole identity to try to keep baby
(about 1 hour later)
A pregnant woman stole another woman's identity from a social-networking site to try to stop her own baby from being removed from her care. A pregnant woman stole another woman's identity via a social-networking site to try to stop her own baby from being removed from her care.
The mother, who has not been identified, was able to leave Walsall Manor Hospital with her newborn child in August. The woman, who has not been identified, gave birth under the stolen identity at Walsall Manor Hospital in August and was then able to leave with the child.
She gave birth using the details of another mother, who was booked in at a neighbouring trust's hospital.She gave birth using the details of another mother, who was booked in at a neighbouring trust's hospital.
Walsall Manor Hospital said the case was "very rare". Walsall Manor Hospital said such cases were "very rare".
The baby has since been removed from the mother. The baby has since been removed from that woman.
The incident only came to light when when the mother-to-be whose identity had been stolen attended a GP appointment while she was still pregnant. The incident only came to light when the mother-to-be whose identity had been stolen attended a GP appointment while she was still pregnant.
Her GP had notes to show the woman had given birth on 31 August. However, her GP had notes to show the woman had given birth on 31 August.
A document obtained by the BBC shows the woman who stole the identity referred herself to Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust while in labour.A document obtained by the BBC shows the woman who stole the identity referred herself to Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust while in labour.
Pregnancy recordsPregnancy records
The woman had previously had three children removed from her, who had all been placed in the care of the local authority. The woman had previously had three children removed from her, all of whom were placed in the care of the local authority.
She provided the trust with all the details of her assumed identity and pregnancy. The health trust said the woman had provided details of her assumed identity but did not have her pregnancy records with her.
The woman who stole the identity did not have her pregnancy records with her and told hospital staff they were instead with the community midwife. Instead, she said the notes were with the community midwife.
The hospital midwife called the neighbouring hospital to confirm the pregnancy details and checks were made against the other woman's identity. The hospital midwife in Walsall called the neighbouring hospital to confirm the pregnancy details of who the woman in labour claimed to be.
The Walsall Healthcare Trust said that since that incident it had carried out an investigation into what happened.The Walsall Healthcare Trust said that since that incident it had carried out an investigation into what happened.
It said it had now strengthened its procedures for admitting women in labour and later discharging them. It said it had now strengthened its procedures for admitting women in labour and had reassessed how it then discharged them and their babies.
The trust said anyone turning up without their notes would need to have their identification formally confirmed by the hospital, social services and the police.The trust said anyone turning up without their notes would need to have their identification formally confirmed by the hospital, social services and the police.
Anyone who cannot get their identity confirmed may be prevented from being discharged from the hospital.Anyone who cannot get their identity confirmed may be prevented from being discharged from the hospital.
Richard Kirby, the trust's chief executive, said: "The incident related to an identity theft by an individual using our maternity service. Although this is a very rare occurrence, the learning from this incident has been of value across the organisation."Richard Kirby, the trust's chief executive, said: "The incident related to an identity theft by an individual using our maternity service. Although this is a very rare occurrence, the learning from this incident has been of value across the organisation."
Kat Tremlett from the UK Safer Internet Centre, said: "Pregnant women and new mums often use online forums to share experiences.Kat Tremlett from the UK Safer Internet Centre, said: "Pregnant women and new mums often use online forums to share experiences.
"You are talking to people you believe are going through the same experiences and perhaps you let down your guard a little."You are talking to people you believe are going through the same experiences and perhaps you let down your guard a little.
"We would urge women to take the same precautions they would use on any other internet site.""We would urge women to take the same precautions they would use on any other internet site."
Jo Walker, from the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, which campaigns on personal safety, said: "It's easy to think you know people you have met online and that they are your friends and and you can end up sharing a lot of information with them.Jo Walker, from the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, which campaigns on personal safety, said: "It's easy to think you know people you have met online and that they are your friends and and you can end up sharing a lot of information with them.
"But you have no idea if what they are saying is true and how they are going to use that information.""But you have no idea if what they are saying is true and how they are going to use that information."