Clive Haddon on life support in hospital – his family say doctors should have considered possible blood clots sooner

The family of a man in critical condition say medics should have immediately checked for blood clots. SA Health has apologised for his treatment.

The family of a northern suburbs grandfather, who was on life support in hospital on Friday night, claim medics should have immediately checked to see if he had blood clots after being told he had received the AstraZeneca vaccine.

While SA Health said it was “highly unlikely” Clive Haddon’s condition was related to the vaccine, it has apologised for the way he was treated.

Mr Haddon’s family said doctors had been alerted to the fact he had received the jab when he first presented to Modbury Hospital on May 13, and therefore should have considered the possibility of clots sooner.

They believe his condition might not have become critical if correctly diagnosed earlier.

Family members said Mr Haddon was suffering severe abdominal pain – a key symptom of vaccine-related clots – but was told he had a urinary tract infection and sent home.

He went back two days later and this time was transferred to the Lyell McEwin Hospital, where the clots were discovered.

He then suffered a stroke and was transferred again to the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

Mr Haddon’s family said doctors had been alerted to the fact he had received the jab when he first presented to Modbury Hospital on May 13, and therefore should have considered the possibility of clots sooner. (File image)

The state’s chief medical officer Dr Michael Cusack said the case had been reviewed “in line with the national process”.

“According to the Haematology Society of Australia & New Zealand and ATAGI (Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation) guidelines, Mr Haddon’s case does not meet the criteria of TTS (thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome) and it is highly unlikely that his recent illness is linked to the AstraZeneca vaccine,” he said.

“A report has been made to the TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration). Our thoughts are with Mr Haddon and his family at this difficult time.”

In a statement, the Northern Adelaide Local Health Network expressed its “sincere sympathies” to Mr Haddon.

“We apologise for any distress he or his family have about the care they received at our hospitals,” it said.

SA Health said it was “not uncommon” for patients who present to Modbury Hospital to be transferred to the Lyell McEwin Hospital “if they require a higher level of care”.