KEY POINTS:
The family of a severely brain-damaged baby will fight an Accident Compensation Corporation decision not to cover her.
Madison Manley-Clark was born at Rotorua Hospital in September last year after what family say was a "botched delivery".
They lodged a claim for ACC cover to help them care for the infant but have been turned down.
An ACC review of clinical information relating to the birth has found the cause of Madison's condition is unknown and "was not caused by treatment or any potential failure to treat".
Her family plan to appeal against the decision and are waiting for the result of inquiries by the Health and Disability Commissioner.
Madison was born apparently lifeless, but was revived by doctors and taken to Waikato Hospital. A month later she was sent home with her 23-year-old mother, Naomi Manley, who was told her daughter would probably die from pneumonia within a year.
The ACC report, revealed by the family, says there is no doubt Madison has sustained an injury but the cause is unknown.
Case records from the hospital, midwife and Madison's paediatrician state there is no clear diagnosis. The family say the midwife did not call a specialist quickly enough, but the case notes say no action by the midwife caused Madison's condition.
Ms Manley, who has given up her job to look after Madison, said she was gutted by ACC's rejection.
The family says scans taken of Madison at 12 weeks and 22 weeks gestation showed a perfectly formed head.
"This is so wrong ... How can they make this decision before everyone has finished investigating what happened?," Ms Manley said. "I'd love these guys to spend a night with Madison and see how difficult it is."
If Madison lives she will soon require a special buggy and chair, a special shower and ramps around the home.
Her grandmother, Lena Stirrup, who has also given up work to support Madison and her mother, said the family would fight ACC's decision.
"As long as I have breath in me I will fight for her. Naomi is a young woman who was expecting a baby and to be a mum but she has ended up being a nurse.
"It's not right. The physical and emotional pain Naomi has to go through every day is taking its toll. We will never give up on this for Madison's sake."
- ROTORUA DAILY POST
