Parents of newborn who died at Northern Beaches Hospital struggling with ‘overwhelming sadness’

The parents of a newborn baby that died at Sydney’s Northern Beaches Hospital have said they are grappling with “overwhelming sadness” following the tragic loss.

Thirty-four-year-old Leah Pitman gave birth to her second child, Harper, at the hospital last Saturday night.

However, Harper passed away after being transferred by ambulance to Royal North Shore Hospital.

“It is with overwhelming sadness that we confirm the passing of our baby girl Harper on Sunday 23rd February due to complications in birth at Northern Beaches Hospital,” Pitman and her husband, 39-year-old Dustin Atkinson told the Sydney Morning Herald in a statement.

“We appreciate the outpouring of love, support and thoughts during this incredibly horrific time and ask for privacy as we continue to grieve our baby girl,” the couple said.

When asked about the death on Thursday, Peter Thomas, the chief operating officer of Healthscope — the operator of Northern Beaches Hospital — said that an initial investigation had not found any evidence of misconduct.

Thomas mentioned that an emergency caesarean section had been performed, but later clarified that the procedure had not been carried out.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported that while a caesarean section had been ordered, it was not performed.

Healthscope would not provide details about the newborn’s death.

“Out of respect for the patient and family confidentiality, we will not be discussing an individual patient’s condition or treatment,” a spokesperson told 7NEWS.com.au.

“Northern Beaches Hospital extends its condolences to the family for their loss.”

Atkinson’s brother, Ry, spoke to the Herald, saying both families are still processing the loss of Harper.

“We were all so looking forward to welcoming beautiful baby Harper into this world, so to lose that opportunity to watch her grow up and live a full life, it’s going to take a long time to recover.”

This latest incident follows last month’s scrutiny of Northern Beaches Hospital after the parents of two-year-old Joe Massa called for an inquiry into the hospital.

Joe allegedly suffered a cardiac arrest there after being triaged incorrectly and kept waiting for hours.

In response, the government has promised a “Joe’s Rule” to protect families from unnecessary heartache, and NSW Premier Chris Minns has not ruled out legislation to prevent the outsourcing of public hospital care following meetings with Joe Massa’s parents.