The New South Wales coroner has launched an investigation into the tragic death of a six-year-old girl who was sent home from Sydney Children’s Hospital twice in a single day. The child arrived at the emergency department at Randwick on a Monday, where she was diagnosed with influenza. However, she sadly passed away at Northern Beaches Hospital the following day.
A spokesperson for Sydney Children’s Hospital confirmed that an initial review of the case is underway. They reported that the girl was discharged after a clinical assessment, only to return shortly after with the same diagnosis of influenza and was again sent home with instructions for at-home care. The hospital extended their deepest condolences to the family following the child’s passing.
The spokesperson mentioned that a collaborative review about the child’s treatment would take place between Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network and Northern Sydney Local Health District, adhering to the joint independent clinical governance process in these circumstances. Patient privacy regulations have restricted further details from being shared at this time.
Similarly, a representative from Northern Beaches Hospital expressed their sorrow over the loss and affirmed that a coronial inquest will be conducted into the circumstances surrounding the girl’s death. They assured that both the Northern Beaches Hospital and Sydney Children’s Hospital would conduct investigations according to NSW Health policies and offer continued support to the grieving family.
This incident occurs against the backdrop of a report investigating the death of another child, Joe Massa, at the Northern Beaches Hospital, which unearthed systemic failures. The Clinical Excellence Commission’s latest findings indicated that essential critical care cameras, typically installed over the beds of critically ill infants and children in NSW hospitals, were never placed at the facility. These cameras are crucial for monitoring and ensuring timely intervention when a patient’s condition declines.
Furthermore, the report revealed that junior staff members felt intimidated and were hesitant to voice concerns when patients showed signs of deteriorating health. In response, Healthscope, the hospital’s managing entity, announced plans to install three critical care cameras and commit to implementing the 13 recommendations outlined in the report, emphasising their dedication to providing safe and high-quality healthcare services.