Hospital claims: Baby arrived dead

CEBU, Philippines - As far as the personnel of the Talisay District Hospital were concerned, baby Christine was already dead by the time her mother arrived in their hospital.

This was according to Talisay District Hospital chief Dr. Agustin Agos Jr. as he also denied allegations that mishandling by medical personnel caused the death of the baby.

He also said saving the life of Charito Topacio, the mother of the infant, was the priority of the medical personnel after she was brought to the hospital last Wednesday morning.

Agos, who faced the reporters at the Department of Health Regional Office yesterday morning, said the status of Topacio was “imminent delivery” pointing out that they did what they were supposed to do.

Agos explained that when Charito arrived in hospital, the midwife and obstetricians immediately assisted her. When Charito was brought to the delivery room the medical staff tried to get the heartbeat of the baby but found no heartbeat or pulse.

The hospital immediately informed the family of the baby regarding the status of mother and the baby, explained Agos, as he said that they did not see any lapses on their part.

“I disagree nga wala ma-inform ang family, I think they were informed three times, pag-abot pa lang wala na’y heartbeat ang baby, gi-appraise na sila nga wala na’y heart tone,” Agos said.

Doctor Ethel Anne Lariego, head of the OB-GYN Department of the district hospital, said that they had to cut the umbilical cord of the baby because it hindered the delivery process.

“They checked on the position of the cord and there was none, so that is also one way of assessing if the baby is still alive or not, the cord was cut to facilitate kay nagsige siya og tangle sa sulod, mas nakahuot,” Lariego said.

She added the baby was inside the mother’s womb for almost 41 weeks and two days which exceeded the standard 40-week period before a mother gives birth.

Agos also said that when the baby is 40 weeks and up, the mother should have her checkup in a hospital or have herself admitted in order to determine if she will need a caesarean section or just a normal delivery.

However, Agos said that he will investigate the pre-natal of Topacio to determined what happened before she was referred to another hospital.

The baby’s death was brought the attention of the public after Gerlyn Topacio Gerasmio, the aunt of Charito, on Wednesday night uploaded photos on her Facebook showing the baby girl apparently with bruises in the upper part of her body. The photos were captioned: “Rest in peace Baby Christine… We love you, baby… Dili mi kadawat sa ilang gibuhat. #plspray”

The wake of Christine is in the sala of her parents’ house in Barangay Dumlog, Talisay City.

Gerlyn said the family is inclined to pursue legal action against the hospital.

“Ilaha pa’ng giuna og hikay ang bill sa hospital ug unahon ang pagpalubong sa bata,” Gerlyn said.

Based on the medical results of Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Hospital the baby’s death was caused by “Intrauterine Fetal Death Secondary to Fetal Asphyxia secondary to undelivered after coming death.”

Talisay City Mayor Johnny De los Reyes already asked the Department of Health to launch a thorough investigation into the matter. Talisay City Council Committee on Health chairman Councilor Richard Francis Aznar also said the committee will conduct a parallel probe into the incident.

“Our investigation is in aid of legislation. Daghan na kaayo ta nadawat nga mga reklamo diha sa hospital sa ilahang mga shortcomings and we want to look all of these things,” Aznar said. —With Rowena Capistrano/BRP (FREEMAN)