Queensland Health has launched a second review into the wider paediatric system at Caboolture Hospital in the wake of the repeated misdiagnosis of a baby boy at the hospital last year.
Key points:
- The baby boy was twice turned away from Caboolture Hospital last year
- The review is being done by external paediatric specialists
- Another, broader, investigation into the paediatric system is also underway
There are now two reviews underway at the hospital after the ABC revealed the boy, who’s become known as “Baby Jarrod”, was repeatedly turned away from the hospital’s emergency department.
A clinical review, which began today, is looking into the case itself.
In a statement, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, said it “will be undertaken by the Chief Medical Officer with the purpose to provide an independent assessment of the care and support provided to the infant and family”.
The second is a broader review into the wider paediatric system at the hospital and was announced by Health Minister Shannon Fentiman last month.
It is probing the “pathways for children and babies attending Caboolture Hospital emergency department,” the spokesperson said.
The review is being conducted by external paediatric specialists who are currently developing the terms of reference.
“Outcomes and findings from the review will inform processes and actions in line with our new Caboolture Hospital emergency department, which will open later in 2023,” the spokesperson said.
“We hope that any of these reviews deliver an outcome that Queenslanders expect,” Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon said at a press conference.
Baby Jarrod – whose real name is Weston – and his parents were turned away from Caboolture Hospital twice last year.
He was eventually diagnosed as suffering from a highly painful staphylococcus scalded syndrome infection.
‘Dropped the ball’
The condition was only identified when his father used Ryan’s Rule – a Queensland Health option to demand a second opinion.
Senior staff later apologised to the child’s parents saying they “dropped the ball in some areas”.
The baby’s grandfather, Terry McDaniel criticised whether the review into his grandson’s case would achieve its goal.
“It’s not an independent review. How can it be?
“It’s actually being done in house,” he said.
“How’s that fair, not only on Weston but also on the public?”
Mr McDaniel said he had previously demanded the findings of the review be made public.
“There needs to be accountability and transparency,” he said.
“The public need to be reassured about that, so does my daughter and Weston.”