No parent should lose a child in a hospital waiting room.
Archie Read was just one day away from his first birthday when he died after spending hours in the emergency department at John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle. Despite showing signs of serious illness, including fever, a red rash, difficulty breathing, and eventually, total lethargy, Archie’s condition went unrecognised for hours.
His story, reported by A Current Affair on 9Now, is devastating – but sadly, not unique.
A preventable tragedy
Archie was brought to hospital with flu-like symptoms and a rash. For hours, his mother Kylie fed him fluids via a syringe while they waited to be seen. Archie’s heart rate increased and he was having difficulty breathing.
At 3pm, Archie could no longer sit up. By midnight, he was in paediatric ICU. Shortly after, he went into cardiac arrest and never recovered. The final diagnosis was Group A Strep that developed into Sepsis, a fast-moving and potentially fatal condition if not treated early.
An investigation into his death found that there were areas in which the hospital could have improved the care provided.
Parents know best — and must be heard
As lawyers who advocate for families in medical negligence cases, we too often see cases where parents’ concerns are dismissed.
If you feel that your child’s condition is deteriorating and your concerns are not being heard, you can now contact the REACH program. A REACH call prompts an urgent clinical review by a senior health practitioner, which should occur within 30 minutes of the call.
Although the REACH program is a positive step towards recognising the value of parental concern, it is not a replacement for timely and effective medical treatment. Proper staff training, clear patient handovers, and accountability are not optional — they are lifesaving.
We’re here to help
If your family has suffered because of medical negligence, you are not alone. Whether it’s delayed diagnosis, poor communication, or lack of appropriate treatment, we can help you understand your rights and options.
Our compassionate and experienced Medical Negligence team will listen to your story and guide you through the legal process with care and clarity.
DISCLAIMER
This article reflects the current law at the time of publication. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The actual decisions in each case are summarised for general understanding. For specific legal guidance in relation to your situation, please consult with a qualified legal professional.