Six-year-old girl dies of flu after being discharged twice from Sydney Children’s Hospital

A young girl has passed away from influenza after being discharged twice from Sydney Children’s Hospital on the same day.

On Monday, the six-year-old first arrived at the emergency department at the Randwick facility, where she was evaluated and sent home.

Shortly after, she returned, was diagnosed with influenza, and once again discharged with instructions for care at home, according to a spokesperson from the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network.

The child was subsequently taken to Northern Beaches Hospital, where she later died, a representative from the hospital confirmed to the Daily Telegraph.

A Northern Beaches Hospital spokesperson said they were “deeply saddened by the tragic loss of a young child.”

“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the child’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.

“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.”

The case has also been referred to the coroner.

“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,” the spokesperson said.

It comes after the tragic death of two-year-old Joe Massa, who died after he and his parents waited three hours in the emergency department of Sydney’s Northern Beaches Hospital in September.

A review into Joe’s death found an IT system not used in government-operated public hospitals had failed to alert nurses and doctors to the boy’s concerning heart rate.

Hospital officials have also blamed anchor bias towards an initial diagnosis of gastro, rather than giving him IV fluids to treat the fluid loss affecting him.

Private operators are now banned from getting involved in acute care.