The second prosecution witness in the trial of a couple charged with a count each of manslaughter arising from the breach of their duties has told the Suva High Court that the child needed to be admitted and investigated based on the information that she had received.
It is alleged that 34-year-old Petero Taitusi and 29 year old Loata Vitalina of Sawanikula, Dawasamu failed to ensure the safety of their 1 year 10 month old child which caused the child’s death.
While giving evidence from Marshall Islands today, Miliakere Baleilevuka said that she was based at the CWM Pediatric Unit on 19th February, 2013 when she got the referral of the child.
She said that she was the pediatric doctor on call that day.
Baleilevuka said that she liaised with Taina Maresela who is a staff nurse at the Samabula Health Centre.
She said that Maresela was concerned that the child was presented at the health centre several times.
Baleilevuka said that she accepted the referral based on Maresela’s concern as she noted the child was sickly.
She said that she arranged for an ambulance to go and pick the child from Samabula.
Baleilevuka said that they waited for the child but the boy was not brought in.
She said that she called Maresela the next day that the child had not arrived and for her to do a follow up.
Baleilevuka said that she did not receive any other feedback until the police came.
Baleilevuka said that they needed to examine the child with appropriate laboratory tests to find out what was wrong with the child. None of these were carried out.
During the cross examination by defence lawyer, Lisiate Qetaki, Baleilevuka confirmed that they receive referrals because health centres do not have proper equipment to treat serious cases.
She also said that the health centre staff should have waited for the ambulance as the child was accepted to be admitted at CWM Hospital.
The trial will continue this afternoon.
