The Tribune

THE Public Hospitals Authority has launched an investigation into a complaint from the family of a five-month-old baby who has been receiving care at Princess Margaret Hospital since suffering a prolonged seizure last month.

The family of Grayston Edgecombe has accused hospital staff of medical negligence, inaccurate record-keeping and delays in providing treatment, and has raised concerns about the handling of his continuing seizures.

A PHA official confirmed that a formal complaint had been received and referred to the relevant department for investigation.

Grayston remains in PMH’s care while the matter is being reviewed.

According to his family, the infant was admitted to hospital on August 13 after suffering a prolonged seizure and was subsequently diagnosed with structural abnormalities of the brain, an intracranial cyst and fluid buildup. His parents say EEG results and videos recording his seizures supported their concerns that he was experiencing infantile spasms.

They allege Grayston continued to suffer daily spasms while at PMH but that doctors did not change his medication despite their concerns.

The family has also accused nursing staff of failing to properly record his seizure activity.

According to the parents, hospital records indicated that no spasms had been recorded before Grayston was discharged on August 24.

They say he suffered several spasms after returning home and was readmitted to PMH the following day.

The family has also complained about what it says was a delay in obtaining an MRI.

Grayston’s parents say they arranged for the scan to be performed privately at Doctors Hospital because of delays in accessing imaging at PMH and completed the necessary financial arrangements, but his transfer was subsequently delayed.

They are now seeking an urgent MRI as his condition continues to be assessed.

The parents have also alleged that medical staff retaliated against them after Grayston’s mother complained about her son’s treatment.

They claim physicians suggested marijuana exposure was responsible for Grayston’s seizures. The family has rejected that allegation. The parents say they fear continued seizures could affect their son’s neurological development and want him to receive appropriate treatment while doctors assess his condition.

They have also expressed concern that their complaints about Grayston’s care could affect how he is treated while he remains at PMH.

The family’s allegations have not been independently established, and no findings from the investigation have been made public.