Family Awarded $1.2m for Loss of Canberra Mum
30 Jun 2017
The ACT Supreme Court this week awarded $1.2 million in damages to the partner and children of Corrina Medway, who died five hours after giving birth to twin girls in the Calvary Hospital in May 2011.
The award of damages comes almost two years after findings were handed down by the ACT Coroners Court following a two-day Inquest in September 2015.
Coroner Hunter found that Ms Medway died from a massive post-partum intracerebral haemorrhage. She concluded that the obstetrician’s “failure to treat Ms Medway’s acute pregnancy induced hypertension between 18:00 hours and 18:30 hours resulted in her blood pressure continuing to escalate to a critical level which ultimately caused her cerebral haemorrhage and death.”
The following recommendations were made by Coroner Hunter:
- All nursing staff, midwives, obstetricians and other medical practitioners involved in the treatment and care of pregnant women undertake specific training with respect to pregnancy induced hypertension (pre-eclampsia) and the risk it poses to pregnant women, antenatally and post-partum.
- Literature such as the Pre-eclampsia Foundation Brochure be provided by practitioners to all pregnant women under their care.
- A complete copy of the patient’s notes be sent with the patient upon discharge from the birthing suite to the ward.
- All staff be encouraged to keep contemporaneous notes of significant events.
This blog contains general information only. We recommend you contact your medical defence organisation or insurer when you require specific advice in relation to medico-legal matters.
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Dr Nick Coatsworth is an expert in health policy, public administration and a practising infectious diseases physician. He held a national role in the Australian response to COVID-19 as Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Australia, becoming one of the most recognised medical spokespeople during the pandemic. Nick engaged the Australian community through a variety of media platforms most notably as the spearhead of the national COVID-19 vaccination campaign. Dr Micheal Gannon, Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, sits down with Dr Nick Coatsworth to discuss Nick's medical career journey, and what insights and advice he has for junior doctors. MDA National would like to acknowledge the contributions of MDA National staff, Members, friends and colleagues in the production of the podcast and note that this work is copyright. Apart from any use permitted under applicable copyright law, you may not reproduce the content of this podcast without the permission of MDA National. This podcast contains generic information only, is intended to stimulate thought and discussion, and doesn’t account for requirements of any particular individual. The content may contain opinions which are not necessarily those of MDA National. We recommend that you always contact your indemnity provider when you require specific advice in relation to your insurance policy or medico-legal matters. MDA National Members need to contact us for specific medico-legal advice on freecall 1800 011 255 or email advice@mdanational.com.au. We may also refer you to other professional services.
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