Surprise at baby tapping inquiry

The Medical Council is investigating three National Women's Hospital doctors over the chest-tapping physiotherapy linked to the brain damage and death of premature babies.

Parents of affected babies have formally complained to disciplinary bodies about the doctors, nurses and physiotherapists involved in the controversial treatment until it was stopped in 1994 when the link was discovered.

The hospital's general manager, Gary Henry, told the Herald yesterday that he was surprised - in the light of last year's Government inquiry - at the complaints which have been laid against three paediatricians, more than one physiotherapist and up to 10 nurses.

" ... the Cull inquiry said clearly no individual was to blame for anything that had happened.

"I thought that would be the end of it after that inquiry, but people have a right to complain if they feel that that will be helpful."

The doctors are Professor Jane Harding, neonatal intensive care unit head Dr David Knight, and neonatal specialist Dr Simon Rowley.

Thirteen sick, premature babies who received the treatment from 1992 to 1994 suffered a rare form of brain damage. Five died.

The tapping, with a soft latex mask, was given to help remove chest secretions.

At National Women's, it was delivered with greater vigour and the sessions were longer than at other hospitals where it was used.

The physiotherapist who introduced it to National Women's and who trained nurses and other physiotherapists in how to perform it was found by the inquiry to have had the wrong technique, although no peer review of paediatric physiotherapy was available then.

One of the parents who has made a complaint, Charles Munro, was rebuffed by Auckland Healthcare, the operator of National Women's, when he tried this year to get compensation.

His son, Alistair, died after receiving the treatment.

Alistair's twin, Chelsea, survived, but suffered brain damage.