Baby who died was failed by hospital: report

PHOTO: ODT FILESA 13-month-old boy died after he was rushed to Oamaru Hospital with a fever, but was failed by the care he received there. Dr Caldwell’s report described "a nightmare scenario for a lone generalist rural doctor", who performed admirably initially when the baby was brought to the emergency department at Oamaru Hospital at 2.05am, with vomiting and fever, in 2019. Waitaki District Health Services chief executive Keith Marshall said yesterday the organisation accepted the deputy health and disability commissioner’s investigation and recommendations completely. After Waitaki District Health Services’ initial response to recommendations, the health and disability commissioner came back and wanted follow-ups, which were also done, Mr Marshall said. Yesterday, she acknowledged changes made by Waitaki District Health Services and noted the health services provider had taken seriously its responsibility to provide all staff the necessary equipment and training to help their decision-making.