Inquest into the Death of Baby JDU
Inquest into the Death of Baby JDU (Name Subject to Suppression Order)
Delivered on : 4 January 2021
Delivered at : Perth
Finding of : Coroner Urquhart
Recommendations : N/A
Orders/Rules : N/A
Suppression Order : Yes
Suppression of the deceased’s name from publication and any evidence likely o lead to the child’s identification. The deceased is to be referred to as Baby JDU.
Summary : At the time of Baby JDU’s death from Scimitar syndrome, he was in the care of the Department of Communities. At the time of death Baby JDU was 11 weeks old.
Baby JDU was diagnosed with a very serious form of Scimitar syndrome with a number of connected complications. The Department’s involvement with Baby JDU’s family began before he was born and a provisional protection and care warrant took place after his birth.
Baby JDU was born on 17 December 2017 and shortly after his birth developed respiratory distress and his oxygen levels dropped significantly. He had a team of five rotating paediatric cardiologists who were involved with Baby JDU’s care from the beginning of his admission. On 6 February 2018 Baby JDU was the subject of a medical emergency for bradycardia, hypoxia and an increased breathing rate. An ECG showed severe obstruction to the left pulmonary venous return at the entry of the pulmonary veins to the left atrium. He underwent surgery with relative success of the surgery, however, he remained very unwell.
On 16 February 2018, Baby JDU condition deteriorated and prolonged resuscitation was thought to be futile. A meeting was scheduled to plan for potential outcomes. On 1 March 2018 due to ongoing concerns a meeting was held and it was agreed by those in attendance that there were no further medical or surgical options available to Baby JDU that would improve his clinical situation. On 5 March 2018 Baby JDU died.
Having reviewed all the evidence the Coroner concluded that he was satisfied Baby JDU received quality medical treatment at PMH from dedicated and committed hospital staff.
The Coroner was satisfied with the care, supervision and treatment provided to Baby JDU.
Catch Words : Death in Care : Supervision, Treatment and Care : Natural Causes
Last updated: 19-Mar-2021
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