50 embryos belonging to 12 families lost in “absolute tragedy” at Flinders Medical Centre during statewide blackout
ABOUT 50 embryos, belonging to 12 families, were lost in the “absolute tragedy” that unfolded at Flinders Medical Centre during this week’s statewide blackout.
- CLINIC: Blackouts from storm have destroyed embryos at Flinders Fertility
- RECAP: How we covered the third day of the storm
- SWOLLEN: Drone footage of the flooded Torrens River
ABOUT 50 embryos, belonging to 12 families, were lost in the “absolute tragedy” that unfolded at Flinders Medical Centre during this week’s statewide blackout.
They were ready to be transferred to women when the power went out and a backup generator failed.
An embryo can only survive for between 20 and 30 minutes if the temperature changes.
Hundreds of frozen embryos were safely stored in liquid nitrogen that does not require electricity.
The Advertiser revealed the devastating event yesterday, prompting an outpouring of condolences and support from the community.
The state’s power network failed during the storms, then a seven-year-old generator that took over also failed because its fuel supply was faulty, leaving the incubators compromised.
SA Health announced yesterday that it would seek an independent review of the back-up power generation system at the Flinders.
Flinders Fertility is a private clinic in Flinders Medical Centre, and relies on the hospital’s power.
On Wednesday night, the power failed out of office hours. FMC then notified Flinders Fertility of the issue but by the time staff got to the clinic, there was nothing they could do.
Health Minister Jack Snelling said his heart went out to families who lost embryos.
“It is an absolute tragedy and it is just so sad,” he said.
“I welcome the steps Flinders Fertility have taken to firstly make sure all of the patients that have been affected have been contacted and the steps they’ve taken to do everything they can to assist them, in what must be a tragic and traumatic time.
“The independent review will look at the maintenance program, capability and quality of the generator and what steps if any could be taken to ensure the generator does not fail in future.”
Flinders Fertility will give any families wishing to repeat IVF cycles priority treatment at no charge.
Law firm Duncan Basheer Hannon said families could be eligible for compensation, and if they joined forces they may be able to launch a class action.
DBH partner Matt DeGregorio said if part of the system failed, that “raised the issue” of compensation.