Family of Nelson baby won't fight outcome of complaint

Nick Smith

The family of a severely disabled baby killed earlier this year feel too exhausted to continue fighting, despite being unhappy with the outcome of a complaint to the Health and Disability Commissioner.

Commissioner Ron Paterson yesterday said the family's complaint about health authorities' handling of the case had been resolved.

"I am pleased that this difficult matter has been speedily resolved, with the assistance of advocacy services and with goodwill from the family, hospital staff and management," he said.

But the family, who were today grieving on what would have been their daughter's first birthday, said they met with Christchurch health officials last week and did not consider the matter to be resolved.

The family was emotionally exhausted and wanted some privacy, the mother said.

"Everything is too much. It's all too stressful at this time of year."

The father of the child was acquitted last month on murder and manslaughter charges after a Nelson High Court trial, and was granted permanent name suppression.

Nelson MP Nick Smith was today advocating on the family's behalf, having now complained to the commissioner about the investigation carried out.

"Neither I nor the family is satisfied that the concerns have been adequately addressed."

Dr Smith alleges Mr Paterson failed to investigate a co-ordination failure between Christchurch and Nelson hospitals which led to the family not being offered follow-up support after learning of their daughter's condition.

"Too often, as in this case, constituents fall between the cracks of different hospitals. I want to be reassured that no other family will be put in this awful situation again," he said.

Dr Smith said he was aware of several instances where the medical care of Nelson patients had been compromised because of poor co-ordination between Nelson Hospital and other main centres.

He had formally complained to Nelson Hospital management a number of times about the issue and he now wanted the matter properly investigated by the commissioner to ensure other families were not forced to suffer similar tragedies.

A meeting was held last week between the family and the Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB), facilitated by the local health and disability advocacy service.

Mr Paterson said the CDHB was reviewing its support services for patients and families who received traumatic news, and its system for handling patient satisfaction forms.

The board's chief executive, Jean O'Callaghan, said the family's clinical care was professionally managed but the board needed to review its internal systems.

The commissioner's office -- which has not released a report on its investigation and will not comment further -- yesterday said Dr Smith's criticisms were unjustified.

"I have spoken to the family and assured them the advocacy service will continue to support them and that I expect the Canterbury DHB to report back to me on the systemic issues that are being followed up."

Nelson Marlborough District Health Board secretary Mike Cummins said he understood the commissioner was satisfied with the process.

"If there is to be a further inquiry on the issue raised by Nick Smith then we will do all we can to assist," he said.

- NZPA