Abuse of baby sparks review

An investigation by the Office of the Children's Commissioner will clarify who should have ensured an allegedly abused baby in Whangarei Hospital was safe.

The investigation follows the alleged assault of a 2-month-old baby girl, admitted to the hospital with a broken leg on April 30 and placed in traction.

The baby's 19-year-old father, from Kaitaia, is alleged to have caused the leg injury and also to have assaulted her while she was in hospital.

A similar incident took place in Nelson between May and June this year, when a couple were accused of assaulting a baby while visiting him unsupervised at Nelson Hospital.

After the Whangarei incident, there were varying opinions as to who should have ensured the baby was safe.

Child Youth and Family were criticised for not having protected the baby. However CYF said the baby had been in the hospital's care.

Shortly after the incident, Whangarei Hospital introduced 24-hour observation for children at risk and video surveillance as protective measures.

The hospital's medical director, Dr Roger Tuck, welcomed the investigation.

"We are very relaxed about reviewing the two cases and seeing if there is anything to be learned."

Dr Tuck said parents and family should not be concerned that "Big Brother" was watching over the hospital, but they should know that the hospital had the ability to use video cameras to film inside the hospital.

A CYF statement said the organisation welcomed the opportunity to work with the Office of the Children's Commissioner and other agencies to improve vulnerable children's safety.

"When children are admitted to hospital in such instances, CYF works with other professionals and families to put plans in place that take into account the individual safety requirements of the children involved in each case."

Children's Commissioner Dr Cindy Kiro said the investigation would determine what protocols existed between health boards, CYF and police to ensure hospitalised children were safe after allegations of abuse.

It was important to clarify roles and responsibilities in relation to the safety and well being of the child in such circumstances.

"We need to clarify which organisation has legal responsibility for a hospitalised child's safety when there are allegations of abuse."

The review will include an analysis of current protocols in place in each district health board, a review of overseas procedures to protect children in hospital and an analysis of best practice models (national and international).

Guidelines, which use examples of best practice, will be identified, so health boards can implement protocols.

Dr Kiro said a report on the findings of the investigation would be provided to CYF, district health boards and the police.

The report is due to be completed by next May.

- NZPA