Probe launched into baby's death at Grande hospital

The Eastern Regional Health Authority (ERHA) has launched an investigation into the death of Isaiah Nagasser at the Sangre Grande Hospital five days after he was born.

Shauna Nagasser gave birth to him in a toilet bowl at a KFC restaurant on Carnival Monday. An employee, who was trained as a nursing assistant, rescued the infant from the toilet and with the help of police got the child and his mother to hospital.

The child died on Saturday. There are unconfirmed reports that he may have been accidentally suffocated by his mother. The woman has cerebral palsy and the bay was sleeping with her on the hospital bed.

health Minister Dr Fuad Khan confirmed Sunday that the authorities are conducting an investigation.

“Chairman of the ERHA Dr Stephan Bhaggan and chief executive officers Stacy Harricharran have started investigating what occurred and what could have possibly gone wrong,” the minister told reporters.

Khan said it appears that the health personnel allowed the baby to stay with his mother "for bonding purposes". He said an autopsy is scheduled for Monday or Tuesday after which a report on the child's death will be submitted.