A woman from Musquodoboit, Nova Scotia, is expressing her belief that the loss of her unborn daughter in January could have been prevented if not for a recently implemented health records system used for referrals and patient information processing.
Cassidy Horne, along with her boyfriend and mother, shared with Global News their experience, indicating that an urgent referral for an ultrasound was misplaced within the One Person One Record (OPOR) system introduced at the IWK Health Centre in December.
Horne, 18, expressed the emotional toll of losing her baby at 31 weeks of pregnancy when she was informed that the baby was measuring at 29 weeks. Despite a doctor’s request for an emergency ultrasound on December 11, shortly after OPOR’s launch, Horne did not receive an appointment notification. The family attributed the confusion to the new records system.
A subsequent referral was also lost, leading to an ultrasound in January at 36 weeks, revealing the baby’s passing due to the umbilical cord wrapping around her neck. Horne voiced her distress, highlighting the trust placed in medical professionals and the system.
Concerns have emerged among medical staff regarding the rollout of Nova Scotia’s $365-million electronic medical records system, citing delays and inaccuracies. The program is set to expand to Nova Scotia Health facilities in the coming months.
Horne’s boyfriend, William Biso, expressed frustration at the difficulty in obtaining information about their situation, now keeping his daughter’s ashes in a necklace. Despite the family’s experience, they received no suggestion to visit the IWK emergency department.
The family spent two days in the hospital post-birth, during which they learned of system downtimes and the lack of communication with their family doctor following the baby’s passing. Horne’s mother, Holly Horne, emphasized the need for proactive action in pregnancy-related concerns.
The IWK declined an interview request but assured that patient care remains a top priority and that concerns are under thorough review. The organization encouraged patients to follow up with their referring provider in case of prolonged wait times or changing conditions.
Horne stressed the challenges faced in seeking answers and emphasized the need for change to prevent similar incidents. The family is contemplating legal action while awaiting further communication from the IWK and government officials.
The emotional toll on the family was evident, with Horne reflecting on the ongoing grief and the desire for accountability and improvement within the healthcare system.