ESHC launches investigation following LaSalle family’s allegation of misdiagnosis

Kate Hawes’ daughter was diagnosed with a cold at Erie Shores Healthcare (ESHC) but diagnosed a day later with meningitis.

According to posts on social media by members of the Hawes family, three-month-old Evalynn had a fever and couldn’t keep food down on December 25.

Doctors at Erie Shores Healthcare ran tests and examined the infant, and according to Hawes family members, diagnosed her with a cold and sent the family home.

When Evalynn’s condition didn’t improve, her parents took the little girl to Windsor Regional Hospital where they say doctors diagnosed her with bacterial meningitis and transferred her care to London Health Sciences Centre.

“It’s a rollercoaster of emotions,” Kate Hawes said in a video posted to social media. “We go through phases where we cry and we’re very upset and then we’re angry at the healthcare system.”

Hawes said doctors have warned them Evalynn’s condition is ‘serious’, she will likely be in hospital for four to six weeks.

The infant has fluid on the brain and has suffered numerous strokes and seizures according to Hawes.

“I think one thing that everyone needs to realize is just because they're a doctor does not mean that they know everything,” father Quentin Brunelle said in one of the videos. “If you truly do feel like, you know, you're not getting the best answers that you're looking for.. go get a second opinion,” mom Kate finishes the sentence.

 

Investigation launched at ESHC

Officials with ESHC confirmed late Thursday a post on their social media account is about Evalynn Hawes’ case.

Here is the statement in its entirety:

Through social media, we have become aware of a family expressing concern about the care received at ESHC on Christmas Day. Given our obligation to protect the privacy of all ESHC patients, we cannot make any specific comment about a particular concern or patient situation.

ESHC has initiated a thorough review of the concern brought to our attention and will be launching a subsequent third-party review.

We want to assure our community that any time we receive complaints or concerns from patients or their families, we take them very seriously. Our team is committed to reviewing these concerns thoroughly, ensuring that appropriate actions are taken where necessary to address them and to improve the care we provide. Upon the completion of the review, the family will be contacted to discuss the findings, and recommendations for improvements will be implemented.

Our dedicated healthcare professionals work tirelessly to deliver high-quality, compassionate care to every patient, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to continuous improvement.

As the specifics of this case, like all of the patient care we provide, are subject to patient privacy laws, we are unable to make any further comment at this time.

The family has launched a virtual crowd-funding campaign to help the family pay to be in London for an extended period of time.