Story By: Ana Lacasa, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News
The Portuguese baby who was born without eyes, a nose and missing part of its skull has been released from hospital after 40 days.
Rodrigo, dubbed ‘the baby without a face’ by local media, was released from the San Bernardo Hospital in the municipality of Setubal which lies within the Lisbon metropolitan area.
The infant was born without eyes, a nose and part of his skull in the hospital on 7th October.
The parents said that the obstetrician, identified as Artur Carvalho, did not notice any deformities with the baby during four ultrasound scans. They reportedly underwent a 5-D scan in another clinic where staff noticed the problems with the unborn baby.
Despite still suffering with some breathing issues, the tot’s condition is improving all the time, according to local media.
The child’s godmother Tania Contente told local media that the parents, Marlene Simao and David Ribeiro, have hope for the young boy.
She added: “Rodrigo was no longer dependent on a team of experts at the hospital to continue living so he was allowed to go home.”
“The offer was there for the baby to stay in hospital, but they wanted to take care of him at home.”
Reports said the parents have 24-hour support from a team of paediatric experts who will also pay regular visits to check the tot.
As well as being born ‘without a face’, the baby is reportedly deaf and has some brain lesions and imperfections in the mouth.
The parents’ former obstetrician Carvalho has been suspended for six months after failing to spot that anything was wrong with the baby’s development during four scans. However, the parents want to see him barred.
Reports said he owns the private clinic where the ultrasounds took place and is a partner of the company Eco Sado.
The investigation is ongoing.
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