Parents question daycare centre after infant's death

Thu, Apr 15th 2010, 12:00 AM

The parents of baby Joeshua Tramaine Swaby are raising questions about the conduct of the daycare centre where they found their son in an "unresponsive state."

Police are investigating the sudden death of the three-month, three-week old infant, who was pronounced dead on arrival at the Princess Margaret Hospital on April 9.

He was collected from the daycare by parents Gary Swaby and Charlotte McPhee in an "unresponsive state" and taken directly to the hospital.

"It is really hard on us emotionally for the fact that there has not even been an apology. We don't expect for an admission, but the least we could expect is an apology and honesty," said Mr Swaby.

"It compounds the misery. We are not just dealing with the loss, but the lack of cooperation of the daycare centre and the people looking after our child, and the insensitive nature and attitude," he said.

The police have already questioned the baby's family members and officials at the daycare centre. They are waiting for an autopsy report to gain more insight into the cause of death. They have not said they suspect foul play in the death.

Sergeant Chrislyn Skippings, police press liaison officer, said the investigation is still open.

"We believe differently. My son died at the nursery. Proper procedure should have been taken. No one in authority was notified: no police, no medical personnel, not even the parents," said Mr Swaby.

"I am certain the people who operate the nursery out of common courtesy could have swiftly and immediately made contact with the parents and a physician at the nearby clinic," he said.

When Joeshua was collected from school, there were no other children on the compound. Mr Swaby said school was closed early.

No confirmation could be attained from the school. One school official said the teacher who handled Joeshua is not at work and not expected to be back until next week. She said there has been no disruption in activities since the incident.

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