Fresh tragedy as newborn baby dies at Northern Beaches Hospital

Both the ospital and NSW Health’s most senior obstetrician are probing the latest death, which came days after grieving parents Elouise and Danny Massa demanded answers about why staff failed their son.

A fresh tragedy at Northern Beaches Hospital, in which a newborn baby died during childbirth over the weekend, is being investigated by both the hospital’s operator and NSW Health’s most senior obstetrician.

A review has been launched into the circumstances of the death, which came just days after grieving parents Elouise and Danny Massa demanded answers about why staff failed their two-year-old son Joe, a NSW parliamentary inquiry heard on Thursday afternoon.

The Daily Telegraph understands the newborn baby died on Saturday, after complications during birth. A ruptured placenta is believed to have contributed to the death.

It is unclear if there were any clinical deficiencies involved in the death or in care for the baby, or the mother.

Healthscope, the company that runs Northern Beaches hospital, would not provide details of the newborn’s death.

Health Minister Ryan Park addresses Senate estimates. Picture: NewsWire / Simon Bullard.

“Out of respect for patient and family confidentiality, we will not be discussing an individual patient’s condition or treatment,” a spokeswoman said.

“Northern Beaches Hospital extends its condolences to the family for their loss.”

Health Minister Ryan Park extended his “deepest condolences” to the parents and family following their “heartbreaking” loss.

“Healthscope have advised me that they are reviewing the circumstances of this case.

“NSW Health has asked the Chief Obstetrician to review the circumstances as well,” he said.

Healthscope said the incident was being “investigated in line with NSW Health Policy”.

When questioned about the newborn’s death were asked at budget estimates on Thursday afternoon, Northern Beaches Hospital Healthscope chief operating officer Peter Thomas said an early investigation had not uncovered any misconduct.

Elouise and Danny Massa, whose son died at Northern Beaches hospital. Picture: NewsWire / Monique Harmer

However, Mr Thomas confirmed the mother had undergone an emergency C-section.

“There was an emergency caesarean section performed on the mother who was transferred to Northern Beaches Hospital,” he said.

“The preliminary risk assessment has been done and hasn’t highlighted any key deficiencies as far as I’m aware.”

Deputy Opposition Leader Natalie Ward asked Mr Thomas how long the mother had to wait for the emergency C-section but he could not provide an answer, and opted to take the question on notice.

“I’m not aware of the details of that case,” he said.

INQUIRY AFTER JOE’S DEATH

On Wednesday, State parliament announced an inquiry into the hospital and the circumstances around Joe’s tragic death, after he toddler’s grieving parents met with Premier Chris Minns on Wednesday afternoon.

Joe died in September last year following a misdiagnosis and critical delays in treatment of his life-threatening but treatable condition.

A serious adverse event review findings report into his death found there had been a failure by the hospital to recognise and respond to deterioration and a failure to respond to parental concern.

Joe’s parents, Elouise and Danny Massa, met with the Premier, Health Minister Ryan Park and NSW Health secretary Susan Pearce on Wednesday, demanding change at the hospital.