A couple who were given the wrong newborn for 45-minutes say they are now struggling to bond with their newborn son, despite an apology from the hospital.
CEO of St Vincent’s Private Hospital in Melbourne, Australia Ian Grisold took full responsibility for the incident after Samantha and Nick Stuhlener went public this week.
Newborn Levi Stuhlener remained in a ‘settling room’ while another baby was mistakenly brought to his mother’s bedside.
“While both babies had correct identification name tags attached at all times and both babies remained in their correctly named cots at all times, the staff member did not disturb the parents and check their name bands.” said Mr Grisold.
“When it was realised by staff that there was a baby in the incorrect room, the still sleeping baby was instantly removed from that room and returned to its parents.
“At no time was either baby picked up, held or fed by anyone other than their parents.”
To compound the matter, an apology letter addressed to the family of the other baby was mistakenly sent to the Stuhleners.
While many parents have expressed their shock at the mix-up, others have taken to social media to accuse the couple of making a mountain out of a molehill. “It was an honest accident. Get over it,” wrote one commentator. Another advised: “Forgive the mistake and move on! Surely there is much more important things in life, like kissing, hugging your new son!”
“We just want to make sure they put some actions in place so this doesn’t happen to anybody else.” Nick Stuhlener told 7 News.
