Boy, 6, tragically dies of flu after being sent home from Riverland General Hospital
- Boy, 6, was sent home from Riverland General Hospital
- He died just a few days after his discharge
- The South Australian coroner is investigating the death
A six-year-old boy with flu has died after being sent home from hospital last week.
The child died on Friday, August 11, just a few days after visiting Riverland General Hospital in Berri, South Australia.
It is understood that the family was told that the six-year-old, who had had the flu for a week, was deemed healthy enough to be discharged and sent home.
The Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network has provided all patient files to the coroner.
The child died on Friday, August 11, just a few days after visiting Riverland General Hospital in Berri, South Australia (pictured)
“This is a tragic loss to the family and community, and we extend our deepest condolences to the child’s family,” a spokesman said.
“We have conducted an initial assessment of the care provided and are confident that appropriate diagnostic and medical care has been provided in accordance with best practice.”
South Australian Prime Minister Peter Malinauskas said the incident was “heartbreaking”.
“However it happened, it’s heartbreaking and it almost always gets a thorough investigation and that’s what I expect in this case,” Mr Malinauskas said.
The Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network said the hospital has “highly trained” staff qualified to provide 24/7 emergency care to the community.
“Riverland General Hospital’s emergency department is staffed by highly trained physicians, including emergency room physicians and rural generalists, who are highly skilled and qualified to care for a wide variety of acute presentations, including children,” a spokesperson said.
The South Australian coroner has launched an investigation into the death of the six-year-old boy.