Hawke’s Bay mum lays complaint after Tamariki Ora misses newborn’s ‘failure to thrive
A Hawke’s Bay mother has filed complaints with the Health and Disability Commissioner (HDC) and Tamariki Ora after her daughter, Soleia, was diagnosed with “failure to thrive” following assurances from a well child provider that the infant was healthy. Hospital staff told the mother, Ms. Kerr-Stunt, that Soleia would not have survived much longer if she had not been admitted for treatment.
Soleia was hospitalized twice for severe vomiting and a “failure to thrive” diagnosis. According to Kerr-Stunt, the infant lost 400g in three days and weighed only 180g above her birth weight at the time of her second admission.
Why was Soleia diagnosed with failure to thrive?
Soleia’s health issues began in early April when she was six weeks old. Kerr-Stunt reported that the infant was vomiting feeds, some containing blood, leading to a hospital diagnosis of a twisted bowel after a CT scan and lumbar puncture.
At seven weeks, a midwife noted that Soleia felt “ribby” and suggested she weighed less than the expected 440g above birth weight. The midwife advised Kerr-Stunt to discuss the weight with a well child provider.
During that appointment, the provider told Kerr-Stunt the infant was “completely and utterly fine” at 4kg and advised her to stop “dream feeding.” Three days later, Soleia was hospitalized again, weighing 3.6kg.
Hospital staff discovered Soleia had dropped from the 25th percentile to the second percentile, a detail Kerr-Stunt says was never communicated to her. She was discharged a week later with a diagnosis of “failure to thrive” and severe reflux, falling under the 1% growth percentile.
What actions are Health NZ and the HDC taking?
An HDC spokesperson confirmed the complaint is currently “under assessment” and declined further comment until the process is complete. Kerr-Stunt filed the complaint with the commissioner and a separate complaint with Tamariki Ora in mid-May.
Health NZ, which funds Tamariki Ora, acknowledged the concerns regarding the infant’s care. A spokesperson stated the agency is speaking with the funded provider to understand the circumstances of the care provided.
Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga – Tamariki Ora has not responded to requests for comment. Kerr-Stunt stated she has not yet been contacted by officials with information.
What happens next for the family?
Soleia is now three months old and is described by her mother as happy and healthy. Kerr-Stunt has moved her daughter’s care to Whānau Āwhina Plunket, where the infant is meeting her fortnightly weight.
The HDC’s assessment could lead to a formal finding on whether care standards were breached. Health NZ may take further action depending on the results of its discussions with the service provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Soleia’s first hospital diagnosis?
In early April, at six weeks old, Soleia was diagnosed with a twisted bowel.
Who is providing Soleia’s care now?
Soleia is now under the care of Whānau Āwhina Plunket.
What was the growth percentile change noted by the hospital?
The hospital noticed Soleia had moved from the 25th percentile into the second percentile.
Do you believe current well-child check protocols provide enough transparency regarding growth percentiles for parents?