‘But when we came here today we were told her body had already been disposed of,’ Chelsea said. ‘Disposed of, like rubbish.’ She pressed a tissue to her face.

‘It was an unfortunate word to use,’ the CEO admitted.

‘Yes, but that is what you have done with our daughter,’ Grant blurted.

‘Is that normal procedure?’ Beth asked the CEO.

‘Sometimes, although there seems to have been a breakdown in communication here. Even if the parents don’t want to see a stillborn baby – which many don’t – we usually keep the body in the mortuary for a few days in case they change their minds. Sadly, that doesn’t appear to have happened in this case. There will be a full inquiry. I’ve already spoken to the midwife concerned. She is very upset and has offered to meet with the parents if that will help.’

‘It’s not Anne’s fault,’ Chelsea said. ‘She was lovely to us.’

‘Was Anne your midwife?’ Beth asked.

Chelsea nodded.

‘Anne Long?’

‘Yes, she is one of our most experienced midwives,’ Mr Bridges replied. ‘She acted on the parents’ wishes, convinced that as the baby was not viable they wouldn’t want to see it. Incorrectly, as it turned out. She is very sorry. We all are.’

‘What happened to the body?’ Beth asked.

‘It would have been incinerated,’ the CEO replied.

Chelsea gave a little cry and wiped her eyes.

‘I am sorry for your loss,’ Beth said again. She paused and, lowering her voice, said compassionately. ‘As it’s impossible for you to see your baby, what would you like to happen now? What could the hospital do to help you?’

‘Give us compensation,’ Grant said, without hesitation.

‘Make sure it never happens again to anyone else,’ Chelsea said.

‘That seems reasonable,’ Beth said, looking at the CEO.

‘Of course. Once our inquiry is complete, we’ll amend our procedure in line with any recommendations that are made to make sure this doesn’t happen again. We always learn from our mistakes. In respect of compensation, if we are found to be to blame, our lawyers will be in touch with Mr and Mrs Ryan.’

‘Does that help?’ Beth asked the couple.

Chelsea nodded, while Grant said, ‘You are to blame, and I don’t want this inquiry of yours taking forever. I’m too upset to work, so I need compensation soon.’

‘Will you write a report too?’ Chelsea asked Beth. ‘I don’t want this all being swept under the carpet and forgotten about.’

‘I’ll be filing my report first thing tomorrow,’ Beth said. ‘Do you have any more questions for Mr Bridges?’ she asked them both.

‘No,’ Chelsea said.

‘Not right now, but I might in the future,’ Grant said.

‘In that case I suggest we leave Mr Bridges to get on with his work,’ Beth said, and stood.

Antony Bridges threw her an appreciative look.