Almost three years after the preventable death of their toddler, Pippa Mae White, her family is advocating for significant changes within the healthcare system. Pippa passed away in June 2022, mere weeks before her third birthday, following her transfer to Orange Hospital in central western New South Wales.
Her mother, Annah White, spoke passionately outside the NSW Coroners Court in Sydney as the inquest into Pippa’s death due to sepsis resumed. Annah expressed the urgency of seeking answers and change, stating, “We feel that if we don’t push for answers and for change, who will?” She firmly believes that Pippa did not deserve to die.
The ongoing inquest, which began in June 2024, has unveiled numerous systemic failures, including understaffing, inadequate training, and missed opportunities for escalation of care. These failures culminated in the dismissal of Annah’s concerns about her daughter’s deteriorating condition. Pippa was taken to Cowra Hospital on June 12 after exhibiting troubling symptoms such as high fever, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Despite her evident lethargy and continuing symptoms, a pediatrician at Orange Hospital misjudged her condition after receiving misleading information from a doctor in Cowra.
After her transfer to Orange Base Hospital, tests revealed a severe case of pneumonia with a complete white-out of her left lung. Alarmingly, the pediatrician was not promptly informed nor did they assess Pippa until after dawn. Tragically, she suffered two cardiac arrests and died shortly after noon on June 13.
In the courtroom, Annah urged everyone present to regard Pippa as if she were their own beloved child, imploring, “Now, imagine this tragic death occurred to your Pippa. How does that make you feel? Hold onto that feeling.” She hopes that by sharing Pippa’s story, it will inspire others to fight for necessary reforms in the healthcare system, stating, “because your Pippas are still alive.”
Describing her daughter as perfect, kind, smart, and full of promise, Annah lamented how a flawed healthcare system ripped away Pippa’s future. Pippa’s father, Brock, spoke of his own struggle with grief, turning to alcohol initially before finding solace in rugby league. Both parents articulated their profound sense of loss, with Annah declaring that their family carries a “life sentence” of grief with no prospect of parole.
The courtroom was filled with family and friends, collectively forming what Annah referred to as “Pip’s army,” all equally shattered by the loss. Pippa’s grandmother, Marianne Stonestreet, echoed their sentiments, reflecting on the anger and heartbreak stemming from the healthcare system’s failure to act on the warnings provided by Annah, the one who most understood her daughter’s condition. The family’s fight for justice is not just for Pippa but for all families who deserve better healthcare outcomes.