Queensland parents want answers after baby Lola Winchcole was found dead after a visit to Beaudesert Hospital
The parents of a toddler are demanding answers after finding their little girl dead the morning after she was sent home from a hospital by doctors.
Lola Winchcole, 20 months, was taken to Beaudesert Hospital at around 8pm on Saturday, August 5, after experiencing breathing difficulties.
However, the toddler was discharged by doctors just three hours after being admitted for care and given anti-nausea medication.
Queensland Health officials are investigating the death of Lola Winchcole, who died in August from breathing difficulties
She was battling the flu and her symptoms worsened, prompting her parents Toni and Matthew Winchcole to take her to hospital.
‘We were very concerned about Lola’s breathing as it seemed much faster and noisier, faster than normal… so at the hospital they gave her Panadol and odanestrone to help with her nausea,’ Mrs Winchole said. Nine news.
Lola was rushed to Logan Hospital on Sunday after her father Matthew found her unconscious in bed that morning.
Doctors performed CPR but were unable to save the little girl’s life.
Hospital staff are said to have told Toni and Matthew that Lola had contracted an infection known as Strep A, with traces of the deadly disease found in the child’s blood.
Lola (pictured, centre) was discharged by doctors just three hours after being taken to Beaudesert Hospital on August 5, but was found unconscious in her bed the next morning by her father Matthew (pictured left)
The distraught parents now want answers from health officials, with the coroner yet to release their findings.
Mrs Winchcole expressed her sadness after doctors were unable to save her daughter’s life.
“It was horrible, you can’t even describe it in words, like it’s so horrible,” she said.
Matthew Winchcole urged other parents to back their instincts when it comes to their children’s wellbeing.
“It’s always good…you don’t want to come home to this nightmare,” Mr Winchole said.
Distraught parents Toni (pictured left) and Matthew Winchcole (pictured right) search for answers after their daughter’s death, but the coroner is yet to announce findings
Queensland Health Minister Shannon Fentiman said she was “heartbroken” over the toddler’s death.
“I would like to express my sincere condolences to Lola’s family and loved ones,” she said.
“I have been informed that the Health Department is investigating this matter, and we will await the outcome of the coroner’s report to determine if further action is necessary.”
Brett Bricknell, acting chief executive of Logan and Beaudesert Health Service, said the Health Service was reviewing the matter in line with clinical governance processes.
“The matter remains with the coroner and therefore we are unable to provide any further information at this time,” he said.
Brett Bricknell, acting chief executive of Logan and Beaudesert Health Service, said the Health Service is investigating Lola’s death (pictured center from left)
“We extend our deepest condolences to the parents, family and friends of this precious baby, who passed away on August 6.
‘We continue to provide support to her parents and family, as well as the staff who provided her care.’
a GoFundMe set up to support the family has raised approximately $32,000.