HDC finds Southland Hospital failed pregnant woman whose baby was stillborn

Te Whatu Ora has been found in breach of the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights following failures in managing a pregnant woman's care at Southland Hospital. The critical oversight involved the inadequate management of abnormal ultrasound findings, leading to tragic consequences.

The woman had expressed significant concerns to a locum obstetrician about her baby's growth, relaying the worries of her midwife and sonographer. Despite her expressed unease and the concerning ultrasound results, she left her appointment feeling dismissed.

Tragically, four days after this appointment, her baby was stillborn. The Health and Disability Commissioner's investigation highlighted the failure to appropriately manage the abnormal ultrasound findings as the primary reason for the breach.

This case underscores the critical importance of thoroughly addressing patient concerns and acting decisively on abnormal medical findings, particularly during pregnancy, to prevent devastating outcomes.