‘Full of light and joy’: Tragic death of young girl sparks calls for full hospital investigation

A six-year-old girl has tragically died after being discharged twice from Sydney Children’s Hospital in the space of one day, where she was diagnosed with influenza, before she was taken to Northern Beaches Hospital and died. It is understood the girl was a kindergartner who attended St Luke’s Grammar School in Dee Why. The principal, Geoff Lancaster, expressed his sympathies in a heartfelt email sent to the girl’s school community. “No words can express the heartbreak [the parents] are experiencing. As a school community, we share the grief and pray [they] would know the love and support of family and friends,” he said, as reported by the ABC. “[The girl was] bright, vivacious, kind and free-spirited... so full of light and joy, and adored by her parents, teachers and the many friends she had.” The six-year-old was brought to Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, on Monday. She was assessed and discharged, only to be brought back a short time later and admitted again with a diagnosis of influenza. She was discharged once more with instructions for “at-home guidance,” a Sydney Children’s Hospital Network (SCHN) spokesperson confirmed. The girl was then taken to Northern Beaches Hospital, where she later died. The heartbreaking case has sparked calls from NSW Premier Chris Minns and Health Minister Ryan Park for a full investigation, as the community mourn the loss of the young child. Mr Minns has called for a “full investigation” into the tragic death. “I’m obviously shocked by it, and I just feel terrible for the family involved,” Mr Minns said. “To not have that child return home would be devastating for that family. There clearly needs to be a full investigation.” NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said he was “heartbroken” to learn of the death. “ I wish to express my deepest condolences to the family for their devastating loss,” he said. “I want to understand how and why this tragedy has occurred and the parents deserve answers.” He also acknowledged the emotional toll the tragedy would take on hospital staff, recognising that they would be significantly affected by the events. A Sydney Children’s Hospital Network spokesperson confirmed the course of events. “SCHN has learnt the patient later tragically died,” they said. “The SCHN expresses our deepest condolences to the family for the loss of their child.” They also confirmed the network was progressing an initial review into the care provided. Northern Beaches Hospital expressed they were “deeply saddened” by the loss. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the child’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” a spokesman said. “Alongside Sydney Children’s Hospital Network, where the child received care earlier in the day, we will undertake the appropriate investigations in line with NSW Health policy, including a joint independent review. “A coronial inquest has also been called into the child’s passing. “While we cannot comment on the specifics of the case during the review period, our thoughts are with the family, and we will continue to offer them our full support.” NSW Police said they were aware of the girl’s death and a brief was being prepared for the coroner.