ANG THONG - Ang Thong Hospital has expressed condolences to the family of a five-day-old infant who died in its neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and acknowledged that hospital staff had held a lunch gathering in an area adjacent to the ward, separated from patients only by a plastic curtain.

Dr Parichart Tirawat, the director of the public hospital, said on Friday that the hospital had received the family’s complaint and acknowledged concerns surrounding the baby’s death, as well as questions about an activity that took place near the NICU before the incident.

An initial review found that staff had indeed shared a lunch in an area close to where newborn patients were being treated, with a transparent plastic curtain separating the spaces.

Dr Parichart said holding a meal near a patient-care area was “inappropriate” and that the hospital would review policies governing staff activities within medical facilities.

A fact-finding committee will review whether treatment procedures complied with medical standards, examine infection-control measures and consult relevant specialists in connection with the incident. It has also sent representatives to meet the bereaved family, offer condolences and address their concerns.

“The hospital will thoroughly investigate the facts and review safety and infection-prevention measures to ensure confidence among patients and the public,” Dr Parichart said, adding that updates would be provided once more information becomes available.

Parents seek help

The case came to light after the parents of a premature baby boy sought assistance from the Pavena Foundation for Children and Women. They questioned whether a lunch gathering near the NICU may have compromised infection-control standards and contributed to their son’s death.

According to the family, the infant was delivered by caesarean section on July 17 and was diagnosed with persistent pulmonary hypertension before being admitted to the NICU.

They said doctors later informed them that his condition was improving, medication had been reduced and plans were being considered to transfer him to the Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health once he became stable.

During a visit on July 20, however, the parents said they discovered six Chinese-style banquet tables set up near the NICU, where hospital executives, medical personnel and guests were dining.

They said catering staff were serving food without face masks and that the gathering was separated from incubators housing newborns by only a plastic partition.

The couple said they were not allowed to see their son while the event was taking place. When they questioned hospital staff, they said they were told there was no infection risk because the babies were inside sterile incubators.

Sudden death questioned

The next day, hospital staff informed them that their son’s condition had deteriorated suddenly. Despite resuscitation efforts, he later died.

The parents said doctors told them the baby had developed a bloodstream infection, while the death certificate listed pulmonary hypertension as the cause of death, prompting further questions about the circumstances surrounding his death.

They also alleged that the hospital did not initially arrange for a police investigation or post-mortem examination and encouraged them to proceed with the cremation.

Autopsy ordered

After seeking help from the Pavena Foundation, police coordinated a forensic examination at the Police General Hospital in Bangkok.

A preliminary examination reportedly found a depression on the right side of the infant’s skull and a fractured left ankle. Authorities said the cause and timing of the injuries remain under investigation, with a full autopsy report expected within 30 to 45 days.

Separately, Dr Taweechoke Rojaramkul of the Ang Thong Provincial Public Health Office said the agency had been informed of the hospital’s initial findings and would proceed with its own review.