An inquest into the death of a prematue baby who died 11 days after leaving hospital is expected to shine a light on the level of care the eight-month-old received while looked after by the state.
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Daniel was nine months old when he died after a complicated premature birth and extended stays in Townsville University Hospital and Mackay Base Hospital.
Daniel was born at Townsville University Hospital on July 28, 2018. Picture: Supplied
He was found dead in his cot at home on March 30, 2019 after being discharged into his parents’ care on March 19.
The pre-coronial inquest before Deputy State Coroner Stephanie Gallagher heard that the inquest would focus on nine substantial issues leading up to Daniel’s death.
The hearing heard those issues mainly related to his clinical condition and the care he was receiving when he was transferred from Townsville to Mackay on February 6, and his condition when he was discharged to his parents on February 28, 2019, and whether a discharge was appropriate.
He had another stint in hospital and was discharged again on March 19 to his parents, and the coronial inquest will investigate whether that was also appropriate.
The baby was eight months old when he was released from Mackay Base Hospital. Picture: Tony Martin
The inquest will investigate the actions of the Department Children Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs, and finally anything connected to Daniel’s death relating to public health or safety and the administration of justice. It will investigate ways to prevent similar deaths from happening in similar circumstances in future.
The next pre-coronial hearing will likely be in early July, with the inquest itself to take place early next year.
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