One baby dead, one with brain injury

Ruth Toyoshima was so terrified of returning to Hutt Hospital following the death of her baby Ellie, she went to another hospital to have her second child.

Ellie died in in July 2016 , six days after she was born after receiving brain damage caused by oxygen deprivation at birth.

Deputy Health and Disability Commissioner Rose Wall yesterday released two reports highlighting ‘‘systemic failures’’ and a ‘‘pattern of poor care’’ at the DHB following complaints about the state of its maternity services.

The release addressed Ellie’s death and an incident in which another baby was left with a brain injury.

An external review of the Hutt’s Maternity services had since been completed. Most recently the maternity service came under scrutiny when midwives spoke out about the pressure caused by under-staffing at an emotionally charged meeting in November last year.

‘‘The review identified several areas of risk that threatened the safety of the service, including a severe staff shortage,’’ Wall’s report said. She was critical of the systems and processes, noting many failures.

In the case of the Toyoshimas, Wall said: ‘‘The DHB must ensure that it has in place appropriate staffing levels, policies that provide sufficient guidance, and equipment in good working order, so that staff are supported adequately to provide safe care,’’ Wall said. She also found the obstetrician in breach of the code, criticising her for not adopting a more cautious approach.

In the second case, Wall was critical of systemic failures at the DHB, including a lack of clarity in policies and procedures.

She was also critical of several aspects of the care provided by an obstetrician involved and recommended the Medical Council consider a further competence review.