Family believes Nova Scotia's new medical records system played a role in baby's death
Nova Scotia (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia)
A family in Musquodoboit, Nova Scotia, is convinced that a tragedy could have been prevented if not for the One Person One Record (OPOR) system, which was introduced at the IWK Health Centre in December. The system, costing $365 million, has faced criticism for delays and inaccuracies, with doctors and nurses expressing concerns about its implementation.
The family's story began with Cassidy Horne, who was 31 weeks pregnant when her doctor requested an emergency ultrasound on December 11, just five days after OPOR was launched. However, Horne never received a call about the appointment, and the family later learned that the baby had died the day before, with the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck. The hospital staff attributed the confusion to the new records system.
Horne's boyfriend, William Biso, and her mother, Holly Horne, shared their experiences with Global News. They mentioned that an urgent referral for an ultrasound was lost in the OPOR system, causing further distress. Horne, who was only 18 at the time, expressed the emotional impact of losing a child, stating, 'It's something that never leaves you, it's never going to just go away. It's hard to live with, that you spent so much time growing a connection and then it just gets stripped away.'
The family's concerns extend beyond the initial tragedy. They claim that the hospital did not contact their family doctor about the death, and they had to inform her themselves. Holly Horne mentioned that if the incident had occurred at a different hospital, she would have been promptly notified. Additionally, the family experienced gaps in postnatal care, as they were not informed about a rescheduled appointment.
The IWK Health Centre, which declined an interview request, stated that patient care remains their top priority and that the concerns are being taken seriously and fully reviewed. They encourage patients and families to follow up with the provider who made the referral if they feel their wait is longer than indicated or if their condition changes.
The family is considering legal action and is yet to receive any updates on an investigation into the incident. Horne expressed the difficulty of grieving her granddaughter's death, as the anger surrounding the situation makes it challenging. She shared her thoughts on the 'what-ifs' that play through her mind, questioning what could have been done differently.
This tragic story highlights the potential consequences of a new medical records system and the importance of effective communication and follow-up in healthcare.
