Whanganui District Health Board has today received a copy of the Coroner’s findings in relation to the death of Mrs Sharna Ah Chookoon.

Mrs Ah Chookoon died in June 2009 at Wanganui Hospital during labour.

The Coroner’s Inquest has found that Mrs Ah Chookoon died of a rare and catastrophic condition of amniotic fluid embolism.

“Response to and management of Mrs Ah Chookoon’s deterioration by the midwives and medical staff present was entirely appropriate. Her death was due to natural causes, and not human error/mismanagement nor systemic failure.”

Tragically Mrs Ah Chookoon’s son, Elias, was stillborn.

“Dr Kate White, Forensic Pathologist, examined Elias. She reported that he had been stillborn, and noted the direct cause of his death was ‘stillborn due to “intrapartum asphyxia”.”

Whanganui District Health Board Chief Executive Julie Patterson said the death of Mrs Ah Chookoon and her son was a tragic loss.

“While I am relieved Whanganui services were not found wanting, I realise this will not lessen the effect of this sad loss on Mrs Ah Chookoon’s husband and family.”