Tufton urges accountability after tragic infant loss

Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton has signalled that decisive action will follow the tragic death of a newborn at the Cornwall Regional Hospital, declaring that the authorities must act if wrongdoing is uncovered.

“Clearly, we all want safe deliveries ... . It’s a very unfortunate situation and we certainly sympathse with the family members,” Tufton told The Gleaner, adding he has asked the regional director to probe the circumstances.

In his first remark, Tufton, who said he became aware of the incident after it was first reported on Tuesday by The Gleaner, confirmed that a formal review is now under way, stressing that accountability is paramount.

Tufton said he would await the investigation and the submission of a report, and refrain from saying too much in the “heat of the moment”.

His position comes as the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA) issued a statement yesterday expressing “deep regret” over the death of the baby, Ramontay Rakai Ranger, born to Shandale Ballentine, while announcing an urgent case review into the matter.

According to the WRHA, the hospital has extended condolences to the grieving mother and her family and has committed to maintaining transparency, while safeguarding patient privacy.

The authority also stated that “psychosocial support is being provided” and that the matter is being treated with urgency as part of its commitment to patient safety and quality care.

But a 33-year-old Ballentine was stunned by the release.

In a response to the hospital’s public statement, she told The Gleaner that she has not received any counselling.

Instead, she said that her only contact from the hospital has been a telephone call and an email from a senior customer care officer at the WRHA, acknowledging receipt of her complaint and advising that a full investigation would be conducted.

The letter indicated that the probe could take up to 40 working days, after which she would be invited to discuss the findings.

It also outlined that if the matter is not resolved, it may be escalated for external review.

Even as that process unfolds, Ballentine is seeking legal recourse and is scheduled to meet with an attorney as she seeks clear guidance.

The tragedy has been compounded by severe financial strain on the young family.

A lifeguard from Greenwood in St James, Ballentine said she is currently on maternity leave without pay.

Her spouse, also a lifeguard employed within the hotel sector, has been granted one month’s leave following the incident, but also without pay.

The situation, she said, has left both of them grieving and struggling to survive.

“He come home early crying because he’s so distraught ... and them offering him one month leave without pay. So how we supposed to survive?”she lamented.

She described the situation as overwhelming, pointing to the emotional and financial toll now bearing down on the family in the aftermath of the loss of their child on Good Friday, the day she gave birth.

She told The Gleaner she was deemed high risk; however, only a single nurse attended to her during delivery.

After complications, the child died.

Tufton said the outcome of the probe must not be a mere formality.

“I have advised the region ... if there needs to be action taken, then action should be taken,” he said, adding that he would also call Ballentine.

“My understanding is that the medical staff is also traumatised by the situation,” he added.

andre.williams@gleanerjm.com