South Australia’s coroner is investigating the death of a six-year-old boy with influenza who was sent home from hospital last week.
7NEWS understands the child died on Friday, August 11, a few days after attending Riverland General Hospital in Berri.
WATCH VIDEO ABOVE: Boy dies under ‘tragic circumstances’ after hospital visit
Watch the latest news and stream for free on 7plus >>
It’s understood the family were told the six-year-old was well enough to go home, after being sick with the flu for a week.
A spokesperson for the Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network said it had provided all patient records to the coroner.
“This is a tragic loss for the family and community, and we offer our deepest sympathies to the child’s family,” they said.
“We have conducted an initial review of the care provided and are confident appropriate diagnostic and medical care was given in line with best practice.”
The coroner is investigating after a boy was sent home from Riverland General Hospital and died a few days later. Credit: 7NEWS
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas said he was expecting a “thorough investigation” by the coroner.
“No matter how it’s happened, it’s heartbreaking and there’s almost always a thorough investigation into it and that’s what I expect to occur in this instance,” he said.
The Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network said the hospital staff were well-equipped to support patients with a wide variety of ailments.
“The Riverland General Hospital (RGH) Emergency Department is staffed by highly trained physicians, including emergency physicians and rural generalists, who are highly skilled and qualified to care for a wide range of acute presentations, including children.
“The RGH has sufficient staff to provide the 24/7 emergency department service to the community.”
Tragic meaning behind Matildas hero’s subtle penalty gesture
South Australian builder placed into administration
If you’d like to view this content, please adjust your Cookie Settings.
To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide.