A paediatrician at Shoalhaven Hospital has been formally reprimanded over the death of a six-month-old boy under his care.
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A Professional Standards Committee Inquiry officially cautioned Dr Toby Greenacre and ordered him to complete an advanced paediatric life support course in light of the boy’s death in 2013.
The boy was brought to the hospital emergency department by his mother around 4pm on October 19, 2013; and was initially diagnosed with gastroenteritis.
Dr Greenacre saw the boy around 7pm, but it was not until 10.45am the next day that he diagnosed him with a bowel obstruction and ordered his transfer to a Sydney children’s hospital.
However his departure was delayed by four hours. He stopped breathing mid-way through the trip and was rushed to Shellharbour Hospital for resuscitation. He was then flown to Sydney and underwent bowel surgery but died on October 22.
A subsequent complaint alleged Dr Greenacre’s initial assessment of the infant was inadequate and that his clinical management was below an acceptable standard. It questioned his handling of the transfer and the adequacy of his medical records.
In March this year, the committee found Dr Greenacre’s treatment of the boy demonstrated a level of care ‘’significantly below the expected standard’’.
‘’His professional conduct was characterised by a lack of attention to detail, reliance on ‘protocols’ which may not have been understood by all the relevant staff, rather than written instructions, poor communication with nursing staff … and a failure to prioritise the clinical needs of (the patient).’’
The committee found him guilty of unsatisfactory professional conduct and ordered he complete the course within 12 months.
Dr Greenacre denied all the complaints, citing the demanding work environment at Shoalhaven Hospital.
‘’It may have been ideal practice for me to remain with (the boy) until transfer however it was simply not possible for a single doctor to remain with (the boy) as it was an extremely busy day with many competing demands with other sick children and neonatal emergencies.’’