Miranda Jowet, a Melbourne mother who took her toddler to the hospital four times in days before the three-year-old passed away, initiated an inquest into her child’s death.
Ms Jowet said her daughter was a “loving, smiling, very joyous” child who barely cried.
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In late 2019, her daughter Dio Kemp, who had Down syndrome, tragically died of bacterial septicaemia, a condition in which bacteria enter the bloodstream and trigger blood poisoning.
During the week leading up to Dio’s passing, Ms Jowet sought medical assistance for her daughter at Monash Medical Centre four times due to a rash or fever and visited the family GP twice.
She said doctors broadly gave her the same advice each time, continuously giving her daughter paracetamol.
Dio’s condition worsened on November 29, with her lips turning blue, arms becoming “rock hard,” and her breathing accelerating.
Dio was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance but lost consciousness while transferring to the Monash Medical Hospital ED.
According to The Age, doctors were able to re-establish a heartbeat, but soon one doctor returned to say: “I’m sorry she is gone, you have to say your goodbye.”
The inquest into Dio’s tragic passing revealed that doctors initially believed she had a viral illness rather than a bacterial one, leading to the perception that antibiotics wouldn’t be effective.
Maurice Blackburn Associate Milly Cain said Dio’s family wanted to know whether a bacterial infection should have been diagnosed before her death.
Monash Health responded in a statement, claiming the death was a tragedy.
“Our deepest condolences are with Dio’s family and loved ones,” a spokesman said.
“As this death has been reported to the coroner and is before the courts, Monash Health is unable to provide further comment at this time.”
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