The family of baby Simeon is seeking a doctor to do a second autopsy on the infant, whose head was slashed at the Mt Hope Women's Hospital.His mother Quelly Ann Cottle, 38, went to the hospital on Carnival Saturday for a C-section operation after being transferred from the Sangre Grande District Hospital.The baby died during the operation.In an interview yesterday Cottle said while she was hoping to bury her son by tomorrow she has been searching for a doctor to do the second autopsy.
She said forensic pathologist Dr Valery Alexandrov was approached but declined on the ground that he worked for the Government and was assigned to the Forensic Science Centre, St James. Cottle insisted it was important to have another autopsy as she wanted to get all the facts before finally putting baby Simeon to rest.She added: "I am really hoping to have the another autopsy done between now and Wednesday but at this point I really don't know because I am still looking for someone. I want all the facts before I go to court."It is a difficult thing for them to cut my baby again but I feel as if I have no choice."
She said she believed there was a deliberate smear campaign and an attempt by hospital authorities to cover up the facts.Cottle added that she was also unsure of how she would raise the money for the second autopsy. Hospital authorities said they could not assist as Cottle would have to find a doctor and the funds on her own. The doctor who performed the C-section has been suspended with basic pay.Contacted yesterday on the status of the independent investigative team, Attorney General Anand Ramlogan said it was expected to be finalised before the end of this week.
He said there were discussions still taking place with those who were recommended, including how soon they could arrive in T&T to start the probe.Baby Simeon is expected to be buried in Chaguanas. Cottle said she visited her mother, who lives in Chaguanas, to make final arrangements yesterday.