A Christchurch woman who had swine flu while giving birth in hospital has laid a complaint with the Canterbury District Health Board over the care she received.
Perawai Hurunui developed flu-like symptoms while in Christchurch Women's Hospital being induced. Her baby was delivered by Caesarian section and she was given Tamiflu.
Ms Hurunui's mother Kiri Hodgson says her daughter did not receive the post-natal care she needed.
She believes the nurses were afraid of catching the virus and says, on one occasion, they took an hour to respond when her daughter pushed her bell for help.
Ms Hodgson says some staff were fantastic but believes that others panicked, leaving her to look after her daughter and grandson.
The DHB says it is disappointing to hear of Ms Hurunui's experience and it will talk to her to get further details and investigate the matter.
The board says while the swine flu pandemic is a challenge for all its services, staff are working hard to minimise its effects on patient care.
