Elouise and Danny Massa brought their two-year-old son Joe to Northern Beaches Hospital’s emergency department on September 14 after he had been vomiting all night. Unfortunately, despite spending hours in the emergency room, Joe did not receive adequate treatment for hypovolemia, a condition caused by severe fluid loss, which his parents believe led to his tragic death. They allege that the hospital failed Joe “at every level” and assert that he would still be alive if he had received appropriate care.
In the aftermath of their loss, the Massas have initiated a campaign for reform, meeting with New South Wales Premier Chris Minns, Health Minister Ryan Park, and Health Secretary Susan Pearce to discuss implementing what they have termed “Joe’s Rule.” This proposed rule aims to ensure that parents have a recognised right to be heard during their children’s treatment processes. Mrs Masse described the meeting as constructive, expressing gratitude for the support received from the officials, and emphasising that this is a significant advancement for children’s healthcare rights in NSW.
Central to Joe’s Rule is enhancing the existing REACH protocol (Recognise, Engage, Act, Call, Help) that guides parents when they feel something is wrong in a hospital setting. The Massas advocate for improvements to make this protocol more effective and to ensure it is mandated across all public hospitals. They call for increased funding and public awareness campaigns to support these initiatives.
The couple is also pushing for the dissolution of the public-private partnership model at Northern Beaches Hospital. They claim the current structure is inadequate and are encouraged by the government’s willingness to explore legislative actions to prevent further public-private partnerships in the region. Both the Premier and Health Minister have acknowledged the need for inquiries into the hospital’s operations and care protocols, particularly concerning Joe’s case.
Mr Massa expressed a sense of validation in their efforts, stating their son’s life mattered and they hope his death will drive meaningful change within the healthcare system. The meeting with state leaders was characterized by a shared commitment to progress, with Mr Park describing the discussions as “powerful” and affirming that immediate actions would be taken in response to the feedback gathered.
The hospital’s operator, Healthscope, is expected to publicly address the circumstances surrounding Joe’s death, including operational queries regarding staffing ratios and care protocols on the day Joe was admitted. The Massas urge for transparency and accountability while reinforcing their determination to ensure that no other family faces a similar tragedy in the future.