The family of a baby who tragically died last year when the hospital mixed up laughing gas with oxygen say they’re yet to receive an apology or any compensation.
John Ghanem died on July 13th last year, moments after he was born, due to the gas lines in the neonatal theatre being incorrectly installed.
Parents Sonya and Youssef Ghanem were told by then-premier Mike Baird and then-health minister Jillian Skinner that their compensation would be fast-tracked, skipping arduous litigation.
However, the family has been left feeling as if they have to “justify the claim” as they jump through hoop after hoop.
According to 9 News, the Ghanems have been told they must provide the following documents to the lawyers acting on behalf of the government:
Seven years of treatment records from doctors for Sonya, Youssef and their 19-year-old daughter Chantelle.
Five years of detailed work history for Chantelle Ghanem and her academic records from both high school and university.
All financials from Mr and Mrs Ghanem’s business.
All three must see a government sanctioned psychiatrist.
Three years of personal tax returns.
Stephen Mainstone, the lawyer representing the family, told Channel 9 the process was unnecessary and causing far more stress.
“They’re treating this like it’s litigation, like court proceedings have commenced and there haven’t been,” Mr Mainstone said.
The family were reimbursed the $7,500 for baby John’s funeral costs, but no actual compensation for the tragic mistake.
NSW Shadow Health Minister Walt Secord said the process is callous.
“The family has been treated in a disgusting and barbaric manner. They are being dragged through this trauma over and over by the government,” Mr Secord said.
At the time of their baby’s death, Ms Ghanem told Channel 9 of how she shook her son and asked him to “wake up, wake up” to no avail.
“I held my baby. They brang him to me at the hospital. I said ‘I want to see him.’ I come (sic) home to his room. No baby. No baby.
“Me walking, coming out of the hospital holding a capsule…I held nothing in my hand. I came empty-handed. Thinking I’d hold my newborn but no. Shocking, shocking this hospital,” she said.
Another family saw their baby left with permanent brain damage from the same hospital due to the devastating gas mix-up.
