Hospitals cleared over handling of baby's case

Christchurch and Nelson hospitals have been cleared of any wrongdoing in handling the case of a severely disabled Richmond baby who was later suffocated by her father.

The father, whose name is suppressed, was acquitted of the baby's murder or manslaughter after a jury trial at the High Court in Nelson last November.

The man had been accused of killing his daughter by suffocating her on the day he and his wife were told the baby was suffering from an incurable brain dysfunction.

Nelson MP Nick Smith laid a complaint with the Health and Disability Commissioner on behalf of the family in December. The family was concerned that it was left without support after being told their child was severely brain damaged.

Commissioner Ron Paterson said yesterday the complaint had been resolved.

"Dr Smith's complaint has resulted in a further careful review of the handling of this tragic case, and I am satisfied that both hospitals and the individual clinical staff provided appropriate and well co-ordinated care in difficult circumstances."

Dr Smith said he had spoken with the family last night and they were satisfied with the outcome.

"The family still believes that the way in which the shattering news about their daughter was relayed to them was inappropriate and added to the stress that they felt, but they are relieved a proper separate room is now provided at Christchurch Hospital."

Dr Smith said the family wanted to get on with their lives now they were satisfied all their concerns had been thoroughly investigated.

"It is the end of a tragic matter."

Dr Smith was also satisfied with the result but said an "extra level of complication" always existed when two hospitals co-ordinated care.

The Nelson-Marlborough and Canterbury District Health Board today welcomed the report.

"We feel that the care was appropriate and we are pleased that the commissioner has agreed with us," Nelson Hospital chief medical adviser Andre Nel said.

- NZPA