An investigation has been launched into an allegation that a Hawke's Bay Hospital anaesthetist slapping a three-year-old child for spitting at him.
In a series of messages posted over last week on the TradeMe website, the family said the toddler - who needed three decayed teeth removed - became distressed during
a pre-operative assessment.
The boy spat at the anaethetist, who retaliated by slapping his face, the mother alleged.
He had since experienced nightmares, the woman claimed, waking up and crying: "Mean lady, mean lady, I don't want to go back there."
The boy's grandfather, identified on the site as Ian of Dannevirke, said his grandson started playing up because he wanted to go home.
"The doc lost it after he blew raspberries at her with spit," he said.
"That is a no-no, hence the reason that poor anaesthetist is going to be in a bit of strife."
His daughter was now "after blood".
However he was not completely sure whether it had been the anaesthetist or a nurse who slapped the boy.
District health board spokesperson Karalyn van Deursen confirmed a family member had phoned the hospital about the alleged incident, but little could be done until it was in possession of all the facts.
"We acknowledge the complaint and are taking it very seriously," she said.
An investigation has been launched and discussions would be held with the family.
Senior Sergeant Malcolm Lochrie said a woman yesterday approached Napier police to ask how to lay a complaint against a doctor, but left without taking the matter further.
