Heartbreaking Call for Improvement in Healthcare

In a devastating turn of events, Nikki and Marty Robbins from Comox are speaking out after losing their beloved son, Brayden, due to a shocking delay in medical care. They emphasize that while healthcare workers have noble intentions, significant reforms are urgently needed.

Brayden’s Struggle: A Life Full of Challenges

Brayden, who faced numerous health challenges from birth due to a stroke in utero, had overcome incredible odds. Born with limited function on his right side, the five-year-old had successfully undergone surgery to treat focal seizures. In August 2024, Brayden had surgery again for tendon transfer on his arm, but soon began to experience worrying symptoms.

A Disturbing Decline in Health

Initially, his parents attributed his discomfort to post-surgery recovery. However, by November 12, Brayden was in excruciating pain—complaining of severe neck and shoulder issues, a tilted head, and tingling sensations. Despite their deep concerns and a thorough medical history shared with hospital staff, he was simply prescribed ibuprofen and sent home.

Desperate for Help: The Critical Five-Hour Wait

After enduring a harrowing six days of escalating pain, Brayden was rushed back to the ER, now screaming and unresponsive. The Robbins pleaded with medical staff for immediate transfer to a specialized facility, either B.C. Children's Hospital in Vancouver or the pediatric ward in Victoria, but their pleas were dismissed.

A Tragic Outcome

Trapped in a disheartening five-hour wait, Brayden's condition deteriorated rapidly. By the time he received a CT scan, he had slipped into a coma. Transport issues—severe weather, an understaffed transport team, and helicopter complications—prevented him from receiving the urgent care he needed.

Brayden, who loved the outdoors and aspired to be a pilot, tragically passed away shortly after due to hydrocephalus, which leads to the perilous buildup of fluid in the brain, compounded by a brain bleed. His parents are now left not only mourning their son but also advocating for necessary changes to prevent such tragedies in the future.

The Robbins' Plea for Change

In light of their heartbreaking experience, the Robbins stress that healthcare authorities must take responsibility and implement concrete changes to avoid passing blame and enhance patient safety. They fear that without reforms, other families may suffer similar fates.