K.H.M.H. to review management procedures after baby deaths

Yesterday News Five brought you the story of a doctor who was suspended from the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital after two babies died in less than 24 hours. Today another baby died shortly after delivery, but Pediatrician Dr. Egbert Grinage says the seven-month baby was “severely premature” and the lungs were not properly formed. The incident is in no way related to the two deaths earlier this month. However, the doctor in charge of those deliveries Lavel Reyes told News Five today she will be seeking legal counsel to, in her words, “defend her interest”. Medical Chief of Staff Dr. Francis Smith says her case is now being reviewed by the Public Service Commission. In the meantime, News Five understands the Ministry of Health has directed the K.H.M.H. to review its management protocols and while they would not comment on Reyes’ case since she is still under investigation, if there is evidence that she was negligent she could be dismissed. One of the women who lost her baby, Lavern Meighan told News Five she will be making a formal complaint to the hospital. Tracy Bainton is expected to do the same. Both women were listed as high risk and claim their repeated pleas for help during their extended deliveries were ignored by several doctors. The hospital says the women were probably not aware that Dr. Reyes was in charge of their cases. Meighan also claims a nurse lied to her when she asked if her baby was dead. This is Bainton’s second stillborn child. Lavel Reyes was also her doctor for the first delivery.