The family of a baby girl who died hours after her birth have spoken for the first time, describing their loss as “incredibly horrific” and welcoming an investigation into circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Leah Pitman, 34, and Dustin Atkinson, 39, from Fairlight on Sydney’s northern beaches, travelled to Northern Beaches Hospital on February 22 after Pitman went into labour with the couple’s second child.
Leah Pitman and Dustin Atkinson have spoken for the first time after their baby died hours after her birth.Credit:
A caesarean section was ordered but not performed, and Pitman gave birth to baby Harper that night. The pair were then transferred by ambulance to Royal North Shore Hospital, where Harper died the following day.
“It is with overwhelming sadness that we confirm the passing of our baby girl Harper on Sunday 23rd February due to complications in birth at Northern Beaches Hospital,” the couple said in a statement provided to the Herald. “We appreciate the outpouring of love, support and thoughts during this incredibly horrific time and ask for privacy as we continue to grieve our baby girl.”
Details of the tragedy emerged on Thursday as representatives of Healthscope, the private provider responsible for running the hospital, fronted NSW budget estimates.
Chief operating officer Peter Thomas said the baby died following a C-section, but later clarified the procedure was not performed.
Dustin Atkinson and Leah Pitman had been looking forward to watching their daughter grow up. Credit:
Thomas said an initial investigation had not “highlighted any key deficiencies” in the care provided.
Atkinson’s brother Ry, also from Fairlight, said both families were disappointed with the comments made during estimates, which had led to inaccurate media reports about Harper’s death.
