Baby Nearly Suffers Permanent Spinal Cord Damage After Being Misdiagnosed By Perth Hospital

The mother of an eight-month-old baby was left with disappointment after Perth hospital misdiagnosed her baby's cancer for a leg fracture. Now, the worried mom fears that the mistake could have left her daughter paralyzed.

Naomi and Hannes Holly, of High Wycombe first took their daughter, Nora Holly, to St John of God Midland Public Hospital after they noticed she was struggling to stand and crawl. After checking the baby, the doctor told the parents that their child was suffering from "behavioral issues."

However, both parents dismissed the initial diagnosis and asked for a second opinion. Hence, a senior doctor checked up the child and told the parents that Nora has a fractured leg. After which, the baby's leg was placed in a full cast and was later discharged.

But few days later, Mrs Holly and her husband noticed that their baby's condition was deteriorating and she lost control of her upper body. Thus, they admitted the child to Princess Margaret Hospital, where Nora's leg cast was removed.

On Tuesday, Feb. 2, the baby underwent to MRI and CAT scans. After the tests, doctors discovered a neuroblastoma in Nora's chest cavity and it was strangling 85 percent of her spine. The doctor then started a chemotherapy at 3 am on Wednesday to save the child.

After the chemo treatment, PMH doctors told both parents if the treatment had been delayed for another day the child could have suffered permanent spinal cord damage. Nora also needs to undergo lab tests this week to see whether the tumor has spread to her organs.

"She's regained some movement in her legs and the first bone marrow test has verbally been said to be clear but we're still waiting on the main bone marrow test," Mrs. Holly told Perth Now.

St John of God executive director of Perth northern hospitals Dr. Lachlan Henderson said to the media outlet that St John of God is currently under investigation for the clinical presentation of Nora.