Report reveals hospital staff failed mum-to-be
FIRST ON 7: An investigation into the death of an unborn child in Central Queensland has revealed there was a breakdown in hospital communication and medical procedures.
A report obtained exclusively by 7News reveals failings at Rockhampton Base Hospital, as Queensland Health now admits staff "could have done better".
He didn't take a breath but baby Waylon Blake has left a lasting impression.
"(My baby) is the first thing you think of when you wake up and the last thing you think of when you go to sleep," mum Emma Green said.
In May Waylon was stillborn at Rockhampton Base Hospital.
Queensland Health launched an investigation into claims hospital staff were negligent.
Waylon's parents say they were repeatedly turned away without examination and proper consultation.
Ms Green was in labour and past her due date.
"They were just too busy they didn't really listen," she said.
A report obtained by 7News reveals an "unfortunate, sequential breakdown in communication" occurred.
"Recollections of some staff were less credible than what was described by Ms. Emma Green"
And examination procedures which should have been performed weren't.
But the investigation found no evidence those failings contributed to the baby's death.
"I want them to just straight out say, ‘we stuffed up’. I'd like them just to admit it," Ms Green said.
Asked if the system let Emma’s family down, Michael Cleary from Queensland Health admitted, to a degree, failure.
"Well every time we do a review we find there are areas for improvements... in terms of the care provided to this family I think we could have done better," he said.
While Queensland Health admits errors of judgement were made, no disciplinary action has been taken against any hospital staff member. The Health Minister wasn't available for an interview today.
"We think that people should be held accountable," Ms Green said.
Queensland Health has begun introducing new guidelines for the management of pregnancies.
