TRINIDAD (Trinidad Express) — The doctor responsible for the death of baby Simeon should be punished by having his medical licence revoked, his mother Quelly Ann Cottle said yesterday.
On March 1, Dr Javed Chinnia performed a Caesarean section on Cottle at the Mt Hope Women’s Hospital during which baby Simeon’s head was sliced open.
On instructions of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Attorney General Anand Ramlogan appointed a committee to investigate the death.
This team comprised chairman and retired Appeal Court judge Mustapha Ibrahim, neonatologist Dr Petronella Manning-Alleyne and consultant obstetrician/gynaecologist Dr Melanie Clare Davis of the UK. The committee’s report has stated that baby Simeon’s injury occurred from failure to exercise the degree of skill which was required in order to perform the surgery.
It also stated that a prima facie case of medical negligence may have been made out following Chinnia’s admission that a surgical error was to be blamed for the baby’s death.
The committee advised that the medical disciplinary authorities as constituted under the Medical Board Act Chapter 29:50 should determine the necessary course of action in this case.
Speaking to the Express by phone yesterday, Cottle said she was surprised to see the report findings in the newspapers.
She said she feels like a fool because she met with Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan at the Parliament last Friday and when she asked for a copy of the report she was told she cannot get it until released to the Parliament.
She said Khan told her she can view the report tomorrow.
“I feel like it’s some pappyshow because my baby died and I can’t get a copy of the report on how he died but it was given to the media,” said Cottle.
Nevertheless, Cottle said based on the media reports it is clear that the doctor who did the surgery was to blame as both she and her husband had said from day one.
“I think he should be punished, they should take away his licence so he cannot make any more mistakes,” said Cottle.
She said she asked Khan what action will be taken against the doctor and he told her it was a case for the Medical Board to determine.
“This thing real affecting me. I feel as though I did wrong and the doctor is the victim. My baby died because of him,” said Cottle.
“I will leave it in the hands of God but I really do not want to be one to say that I did not get justice,” Cottle added.
She reiterated her call for a copy of the report and expressed hope that proper action would be taken against the doctor .
Chinnia was suspended with basic pay following baby Simeon’s death.
Patrick Foster
