❓ A parliamentary question regarding the death of baby Angus May and the handling of the situation by relevant hospitals. The Minister responds, outlining investigations and offering condolences, but refrains from apologising until the investigations are complete.
AnsweredQoN 713Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
MAY FAMILY — DEATH OF BABY ANGUS MAY
I refer to the tragic case of Sharon and Daniel May and the devastating circumstance that led to the birth of their son Angus, later discovered dead in his mother’s bed. (1) Is the minister aware that the Mays contacted his office in August, and are still waiting for a response? (2) What actions did the minister and his office take after being informed of the Mays’ situation? (3) Has the minister personally had discussions with the Mays to offer his condolences and demonstrate that he is concerned about the handling of their situation by Armadale-Kelmscott Memorial Hospital and Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital? Dr K.D. HAMES
I refer to the tragic case of Sharon and Daniel May and the devastating circumstance that led to the birth of their son Angus, later discovered dead in his mother’s bed. (1) Is the minister aware that the Mays contacted his office in August, and are still waiting for a response? (2) What actions did the minister and his office take after being informed of the Mays’ situation? (3) Has the minister personally had discussions with the Mays to offer his condolences and demonstrate that he is concerned about the handling of their situation by Armadale-Kelmscott Memorial Hospital and Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital? Dr K.D. HAMES
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(2) No, I am not aware of them contacting my office. In relation to the events that occurred, I have had briefing notes outlining the events that led to the tragic death of the child and the circumstances involved. My understanding is that this is being investigated by at least two and perhaps three separate bodies; the third being the State Coroner’s office, which initially had formed the view that an investigation was not required but which, at the request of lawyer John Hammond, is now reviewing that decision and has asked for the notes. The coroner will certainly investigate the death. Two health committees are looking into neonatal mortality; one is an overarching Department of Health committee and the other is a specific King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women committee that is investigating this particular case. I am aware that there was considerable consultation between the intensive care unit that was looking after the patient and King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women with regard to her management, and monitoring of those issues. The issue of her treatment at Armadale-Kelmscott Memorial Hospital will be dealt with as part of that inquiry. I can make public one of those reports. I am more than happy to make public the King Edward hospital neonatal mortality report. I gather I cannot make public the report of the overarching committee because it contains lots of private information, and a process has to be followed that does not allow me to release that information. Obviously, the coroner’s report will become public. (3) I have not involved myself directly with the patient. I am certainly happy to offer my deepest sympathy to the family about what occurred. I am happy to say that I am sorry for the outcome, as I am sure that everyone in Western Australia is. I cannot apologise on behalf of the department until those reports are available and I know the circumstances of what happened and whether the treatment was inadequate. The outcome was tragic, we would all agree. There are question marks without doubt about what happened at Armadale hospital. The information that I have would suggest that the treatment, despite the tragic consequences, was what was advised to that intensive care unit. It is not the right time for me to be making any public comments about this. I do not have the direct contact details of the family to ring them and offer my apologies. I am happy to do this publicly. Mr R.H. Cook : They contacted your office. Dr K.D. HAMES : I was not aware of that contact. I will follow that up. It is not appropriate to make political mileage out of such a tragic issue. That is what the opposition is doing. Please wait and see what the circumstances were to see what happened. Apologising on behalf of the hospital is suggesting that the hospital did something wrong. I do not know that it did something wrong at this stage. I will wait and see, as is appropriate, particularly for the coroner’s report, to see what happened and what should have happened. I am happy to publicly acknowledge the tragic circumstances that led to the death of the child and offer my deepest sympathy.
(1) Is the minister aware that the Mays contacted his office in August, and are still waiting for a response? (2) What actions did the minister and his office take after being informed of the Mays’ situation? (3) Has the minister personally had discussions with the Mays to offer his condolences and demonstrate that he is concerned about the handling of their situation by Armadale-Kelmscott Memorial Hospital and Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital? Dr K.D. HAMES replied: (1)-(2) No, I am not aware of them contacting my office. In relation to the events that occurred, I have had briefing notes outlining the events that led to the tragic death of the child and the circumstances involved. My understanding is that this is being investigated by at least two and perhaps three separate bodies; the third being the State Coroner’s office, which initially had formed the view that an investigation was not required but which, at the request of lawyer John Hammond, is now reviewing that decision and has asked for the notes. The coroner will certainly investigate the death. Two health committees are looking into neonatal mortality; one is an overarching Department of Health committee and the other is a specific King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women committee that is investigating this particular case. I am aware that there was considerable consultation between the intensive care unit that was looking after the patient and King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women with regard to her management, and monitoring of those issues. The issue of her treatment at Armadale-Kelmscott Memorial Hospital will be dealt with as part of that inquiry. I can make public one of those reports. I am more than happy to make public the King Edward hospital neonatal mortality report. I gather I cannot make public the report of the overarching committee because it contains lots of private information, and a process has to be followed that does not allow me to release that information. Obviously, the coroner’s report will become public. (3) I have not involved myself directly with the patient. I am certainly happy to offer my deepest sympathy to the family about what occurred. I am happy to say that I am sorry for the outcome, as I am sure that everyone in Western Australia is. I cannot apologise on behalf of the department until those reports are available and I know the circumstances of what happened and whether the treatment was inadequate. The outcome was tragic, we would all agree. There are question marks without doubt about what happened at Armadale hospital. The information that I have would suggest that the treatment, despite the tragic consequences, was what was advised to that intensive care unit. It is not the right time for me to be making any public comments about this. I do not have the direct contact details of the family to ring them and offer my apologies. I am happy to do this publicly. Mr R.H. Cook : They contacted your office. Dr K.D. HAMES : I was not aware of that contact. I will follow that up. It is not appropriate to make political mileage out of such a tragic issue. That is what the opposition is doing. Please wait and see what the circumstances were to see what happened. Apologising on behalf of the hospital is suggesting that the hospital did something wrong. I do not know that it did something wrong at this stage. I will wait and see, as is appropriate, particularly for the coroner’s report, to see what happened and what should have happened. I am happy to publicly acknowledge the tragic circumstances that led to the death of the child and offer my deepest sympathy.
(2) What actions did the minister and his office take after being informed of the Mays’ situation? (3) Has the minister personally had discussions with the Mays to offer his condolences and demonstrate that he is concerned about the handling of their situation by Armadale-Kelmscott Memorial Hospital and Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital? Dr K.D. HAMES replied: (1)-(2) No, I am not aware of them contacting my office. In relation to the events that occurred, I have had briefing notes outlining the events that led to the tragic death of the child and the circumstances involved. My understanding is that this is being investigated by at least two and perhaps three separate bodies; the third being the State Coroner’s office, which initially had formed the view that an investigation was not required but which, at the request of lawyer John Hammond, is now reviewing that decision and has asked for the notes. The coroner will certainly investigate the death. Two health committees are looking into neonatal mortality; one is an overarching Department of Health committee and the other is a specific King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women committee that is investigating this particular case. I am aware that there was considerable consultation between the intensive care unit that was looking after the patient and King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women with regard to her management, and monitoring of those issues. The issue of her treatment at Armadale-Kelmscott Memorial Hospital will be dealt with as part of that inquiry. I can make public one of those reports. I am more than happy to make public the King Edward hospital neonatal mortality report. I gather I cannot make public the report of the overarching committee because it contains lots of private information, and a process has to be followed that does not allow me to release that information. Obviously, the coroner’s report will become public. (3) I have not involved myself directly with the patient. I am certainly happy to offer my deepest sympathy to the family about what occurred. I am happy to say that I am sorry for the outcome, as I am sure that everyone in Western Australia is. I cannot apologise on behalf of the department until those reports are available and I know the circumstances of what happened and whether the treatment was inadequate. The outcome was tragic, we would all agree. There are question marks without doubt about what happened at Armadale hospital. The information that I have would suggest that the treatment, despite the tragic consequences, was what was advised to that intensive care unit. It is not the right time for me to be making any public comments about this. I do not have the direct contact details of the family to ring them and offer my apologies. I am happy to do this publicly. Mr R.H. Cook : They contacted your office. Dr K.D. HAMES : I was not aware of that contact. I will follow that up. It is not appropriate to make political mileage out of such a tragic issue. That is what the opposition is doing. Please wait and see what the circumstances were to see what happened. Apologising on behalf of the hospital is suggesting that the hospital did something wrong. I do not know that it did something wrong at this stage. I will wait and see, as is appropriate, particularly for the coroner’s report, to see what happened and what should have happened. I am happy to publicly acknowledge the tragic circumstances that led to the death of the child and offer my deepest sympathy.
(3) Has the minister personally had discussions with the Mays to offer his condolences and demonstrate that he is concerned about the handling of their situation by Armadale-Kelmscott Memorial Hospital and Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital? Dr K.D. HAMES replied: (1)-(2) No, I am not aware of them contacting my office. In relation to the events that occurred, I have had briefing notes outlining the events that led to the tragic death of the child and the circumstances involved. My understanding is that this is being investigated by at least two and perhaps three separate bodies; the third being the State Coroner’s office, which initially had formed the view that an investigation was not required but which, at the request of lawyer John Hammond, is now reviewing that decision and has asked for the notes. The coroner will certainly investigate the death. Two health committees are looking into neonatal mortality; one is an overarching Department of Health committee and the other is a specific King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women committee that is investigating this particular case. I am aware that there was considerable consultation between the intensive care unit that was looking after the patient and King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women with regard to her management, and monitoring of those issues. The issue of her treatment at Armadale-Kelmscott Memorial Hospital will be dealt with as part of that inquiry. I can make public one of those reports. I am more than happy to make public the King Edward hospital neonatal mortality report. I gather I cannot make public the report of the overarching committee because it contains lots of private information, and a process has to be followed that does not allow me to release that information. Obviously, the coroner’s report will become public. (3) I have not involved myself directly with the patient. I am certainly happy to offer my deepest sympathy to the family about what occurred. I am happy to say that I am sorry for the outcome, as I am sure that everyone in Western Australia is. I cannot apologise on behalf of the department until those reports are available and I know the circumstances of what happened and whether the treatment was inadequate. The outcome was tragic, we would all agree. There are question marks without doubt about what happened at Armadale hospital. The information that I have would suggest that the treatment, despite the tragic consequences, was what was advised to that intensive care unit. It is not the right time for me to be making any public comments about this. I do not have the direct contact details of the family to ring them and offer my apologies. I am happy to do this publicly. Mr R.H. Cook : They contacted your office. Dr K.D. HAMES : I was not aware of that contact. I will follow that up. It is not appropriate to make political mileage out of such a tragic issue. That is what the opposition is doing. Please wait and see what the circumstances were to see what happened. Apologising on behalf of the hospital is suggesting that the hospital did something wrong. I do not know that it did something wrong at this stage. I will wait and see, as is appropriate, particularly for the coroner’s report, to see what happened and what should have happened. I am happy to publicly acknowledge the tragic circumstances that led to the death of the child and offer my deepest sympathy.
Dr K.D. HAMES replied: (1)-(2) No, I am not aware of them contacting my office. In relation to the events that occurred, I have had briefing notes outlining the events that led to the tragic death of the child and the circumstances involved. My understanding is that this is being investigated by at least two and perhaps three separate bodies; the third being the State Coroner’s office, which initially had formed the view that an investigation was not required but which, at the request of lawyer John Hammond, is now reviewing that decision and has asked for the notes. The coroner will certainly investigate the death. Two health committees are looking into neonatal mortality; one is an overarching Department of Health committee and the other is a specific King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women committee that is investigating this particular case. I am aware that there was considerable consultation between the intensive care unit that was looking after the patient and King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women with regard to her management, and monitoring of those issues. The issue of her treatment at Armadale-Kelmscott Memorial Hospital will be dealt with as part of that inquiry. I can make public one of those reports. I am more than happy to make public the King Edward hospital neonatal mortality report. I gather I cannot make public the report of the overarching committee because it contains lots of private information, and a process has to be followed that does not allow me to release that information. Obviously, the coroner’s report will become public. (3) I have not involved myself directly with the patient. I am certainly happy to offer my deepest sympathy to the family about what occurred. I am happy to say that I am sorry for the outcome, as I am sure that everyone in Western Australia is. I cannot apologise on behalf of the department until those reports are available and I know the circumstances of what happened and whether the treatment was inadequate. The outcome was tragic, we would all agree. There are question marks without doubt about what happened at Armadale hospital. The information that I have would suggest that the treatment, despite the tragic consequences, was what was advised to that intensive care unit. It is not the right time for me to be making any public comments about this. I do not have the direct contact details of the family to ring them and offer my apologies. I am happy to do this publicly. Mr R.H. Cook : They contacted your office. Dr K.D. HAMES : I was not aware of that contact. I will follow that up. It is not appropriate to make political mileage out of such a tragic issue. That is what the opposition is doing. Please wait and see what the circumstances were to see what happened. Apologising on behalf of the hospital is suggesting that the hospital did something wrong. I do not know that it did something wrong at this stage. I will wait and see, as is appropriate, particularly for the coroner’s report, to see what happened and what should have happened. I am happy to publicly acknowledge the tragic circumstances that led to the death of the child and offer my deepest sympathy.
(1)-(2) No, I am not aware of them contacting my office. In relation to the events that occurred, I have had briefing notes outlining the events that led to the tragic death of the child and the circumstances involved. My understanding is that this is being investigated by at least two and perhaps three separate bodies; the third being the State Coroner’s office, which initially had formed the view that an investigation was not required but which, at the request of lawyer John Hammond, is now reviewing that decision and has asked for the notes. The coroner will certainly investigate the death. Two health committees are looking into neonatal mortality; one is an overarching Department of Health committee and the other is a specific King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women committee that is investigating this particular case. I am aware that there was considerable consultation between the intensive care unit that was looking after the patient and King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women with regard to her management, and monitoring of those issues. The issue of her treatment at Armadale-Kelmscott Memorial Hospital will be dealt with as part of that inquiry. I can make public one of those reports. I am more than happy to make public the King Edward hospital neonatal mortality report. I gather I cannot make public the report of the overarching committee because it contains lots of private information, and a process has to be followed that does not allow me to release that information. Obviously, the coroner’s report will become public. (3) I have not involved myself directly with the patient. I am certainly happy to offer my deepest sympathy to the family about what occurred. I am happy to say that I am sorry for the outcome, as I am sure that everyone in Western Australia is. I cannot apologise on behalf of the department until those reports are available and I know the circumstances of what happened and whether the treatment was inadequate. The outcome was tragic, we would all agree. There are question marks without doubt about what happened at Armadale hospital. The information that I have would suggest that the treatment, despite the tragic consequences, was what was advised to that intensive care unit. It is not the right time for me to be making any public comments about this. I do not have the direct contact details of the family to ring them and offer my apologies. I am happy to do this publicly. Mr R.H. Cook : They contacted your office. Dr K.D. HAMES : I was not aware of that contact. I will follow that up. It is not appropriate to make political mileage out of such a tragic issue. That is what the opposition is doing. Please wait and see what the circumstances were to see what happened. Apologising on behalf of the hospital is suggesting that the hospital did something wrong. I do not know that it did something wrong at this stage. I will wait and see, as is appropriate, particularly for the coroner’s report, to see what happened and what should have happened. I am happy to publicly acknowledge the tragic circumstances that led to the death of the child and offer my deepest sympathy.
Mr R.H. Cook : They contacted your office. Dr K.D. HAMES : I was not aware of that contact. I will follow that up. It is not appropriate to make political mileage out of such a tragic issue. That is what the opposition is doing. Please wait and see what the circumstances were to see what happened. Apologising on behalf of the hospital is suggesting that the hospital did something wrong. I do not know that it did something wrong at this stage. I will wait and see, as is appropriate, particularly for the coroner’s report, to see what happened and what should have happened. I am happy to publicly acknowledge the tragic circumstances that led to the death of the child and offer my deepest sympathy.
Dr K.D. HAMES : I was not aware of that contact. I will follow that up. It is not appropriate to make political mileage out of such a tragic issue. That is what the opposition is doing. Please wait and see what the circumstances were to see what happened. Apologising on behalf of the hospital is suggesting that the hospital did something wrong. I do not know that it did something wrong at this stage. I will wait and see, as is appropriate, particularly for the coroner’s report, to see what happened and what should have happened. I am happy to publicly acknowledge the tragic circumstances that led to the death of the child and offer my deepest sympathy.
It is not appropriate to make political mileage out of such a tragic issue. That is what the opposition is doing. Please wait and see what the circumstances were to see what happened. Apologising on behalf of the hospital is suggesting that the hospital did something wrong. I do not know that it did something wrong at this stage. I will wait and see, as is appropriate, particularly for the coroner’s report, to see what happened and what should have happened. I am happy to publicly acknowledge the tragic circumstances that led to the death of the child and offer my deepest sympathy.
Apologising on behalf of the hospital is suggesting that the hospital did something wrong. I do not know that it did something wrong at this stage. I will wait and see, as is appropriate, particularly for the coroner’s report, to see what happened and what should have happened. I am happy to publicly acknowledge the tragic circumstances that led to the death of the child and offer my deepest sympathy.
(1) Is the minister aware that the Mays contacted his office in August, and are still waiting for a response? (2) What actions did the minister and his office take after being informed of the Mays’ situation? (3) Has the minister personally had discussions with the Mays to offer his condolences and demonstrate that he is concerned about the handling of their situation by Armadale-Kelmscott Memorial Hospital and Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital? Dr K.D. HAMES replied: (1)-(2) No, I am not aware of them contacting my office. In relation to the events that occurred, I have had briefing notes outlining the events that led to the tragic death of the child and the circumstances involved. My understanding is that this is being investigated by at least two and perhaps three separate bodies; the third being the State Coroner’s office, which initially had formed the view that an investigation was not required but which, at the request of lawyer John Hammond, is now reviewing that decision and has asked for the notes. The coroner will certainly investigate the death. Two health committees are looking into neonatal mortality; one is an overarching Department of Health committee and the other is a specific King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women committee that is investigating this particular case. I am aware that there was considerable consultation between the intensive care unit that was looking after the patient and King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women with regard to her management, and monitoring of those issues. The issue of her treatment at Armadale-Kelmscott Memorial Hospital will be dealt with as part of that inquiry. I can make public one of those reports. I am more than happy to make public the King Edward hospital neonatal mortality report. I gather I cannot make public the report of the overarching committee because it contains lots of private information, and a process has to be followed that does not allow me to release that information. Obviously, the coroner’s report will become public. (3) I have not involved myself directly with the patient. I am certainly happy to offer my deepest sympathy to the family about what occurred. I am happy to say that I am sorry for the outcome, as I am sure that everyone in Western Australia is. I cannot apologise on behalf of the department until those reports are available and I know the circumstances of what happened and whether the treatment was inadequate. The outcome was tragic, we would all agree. There are question marks without doubt about what happened at Armadale hospital. The information that I have would suggest that the treatment, despite the tragic consequences, was what was advised to that intensive care unit. It is not the right time for me to be making any public comments about this. I do not have the direct contact details of the family to ring them and offer my apologies. I am happy to do this publicly. Mr R.H. Cook : They contacted your office. Dr K.D. HAMES : I was not aware of that contact. I will follow that up. It is not appropriate to make political mileage out of such a tragic issue. That is what the opposition is doing. Please wait and see what the circumstances were to see what happened. Apologising on behalf of the hospital is suggesting that the hospital did something wrong. I do not know that it did something wrong at this stage. I will wait and see, as is appropriate, particularly for the coroner’s report, to see what happened and what should have happened. I am happy to publicly acknowledge the tragic circumstances that led to the death of the child and offer my deepest sympathy.
(2) What actions did the minister and his office take after being informed of the Mays’ situation? (3) Has the minister personally had discussions with the Mays to offer his condolences and demonstrate that he is concerned about the handling of their situation by Armadale-Kelmscott Memorial Hospital and Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital? Dr K.D. HAMES replied: (1)-(2) No, I am not aware of them contacting my office. In relation to the events that occurred, I have had briefing notes outlining the events that led to the tragic death of the child and the circumstances involved. My understanding is that this is being investigated by at least two and perhaps three separate bodies; the third being the State Coroner’s office, which initially had formed the view that an investigation was not required but which, at the request of lawyer John Hammond, is now reviewing that decision and has asked for the notes. The coroner will certainly investigate the death. Two health committees are looking into neonatal mortality; one is an overarching Department of Health committee and the other is a specific King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women committee that is investigating this particular case. I am aware that there was considerable consultation between the intensive care unit that was looking after the patient and King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women with regard to her management, and monitoring of those issues. The issue of her treatment at Armadale-Kelmscott Memorial Hospital will be dealt with as part of that inquiry. I can make public one of those reports. I am more than happy to make public the King Edward hospital neonatal mortality report. I gather I cannot make public the report of the overarching committee because it contains lots of private information, and a process has to be followed that does not allow me to release that information. Obviously, the coroner’s report will become public. (3) I have not involved myself directly with the patient. I am certainly happy to offer my deepest sympathy to the family about what occurred. I am happy to say that I am sorry for the outcome, as I am sure that everyone in Western Australia is. I cannot apologise on behalf of the department until those reports are available and I know the circumstances of what happened and whether the treatment was inadequate. The outcome was tragic, we would all agree. There are question marks without doubt about what happened at Armadale hospital. The information that I have would suggest that the treatment, despite the tragic consequences, was what was advised to that intensive care unit. It is not the right time for me to be making any public comments about this. I do not have the direct contact details of the family to ring them and offer my apologies. I am happy to do this publicly. Mr R.H. Cook : They contacted your office. Dr K.D. HAMES : I was not aware of that contact. I will follow that up. It is not appropriate to make political mileage out of such a tragic issue. That is what the opposition is doing. Please wait and see what the circumstances were to see what happened. Apologising on behalf of the hospital is suggesting that the hospital did something wrong. I do not know that it did something wrong at this stage. I will wait and see, as is appropriate, particularly for the coroner’s report, to see what happened and what should have happened. I am happy to publicly acknowledge the tragic circumstances that led to the death of the child and offer my deepest sympathy.
(3) Has the minister personally had discussions with the Mays to offer his condolences and demonstrate that he is concerned about the handling of their situation by Armadale-Kelmscott Memorial Hospital and Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital? Dr K.D. HAMES replied: (1)-(2) No, I am not aware of them contacting my office. In relation to the events that occurred, I have had briefing notes outlining the events that led to the tragic death of the child and the circumstances involved. My understanding is that this is being investigated by at least two and perhaps three separate bodies; the third being the State Coroner’s office, which initially had formed the view that an investigation was not required but which, at the request of lawyer John Hammond, is now reviewing that decision and has asked for the notes. The coroner will certainly investigate the death. Two health committees are looking into neonatal mortality; one is an overarching Department of Health committee and the other is a specific King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women committee that is investigating this particular case. I am aware that there was considerable consultation between the intensive care unit that was looking after the patient and King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women with regard to her management, and monitoring of those issues. The issue of her treatment at Armadale-Kelmscott Memorial Hospital will be dealt with as part of that inquiry. I can make public one of those reports. I am more than happy to make public the King Edward hospital neonatal mortality report. I gather I cannot make public the report of the overarching committee because it contains lots of private information, and a process has to be followed that does not allow me to release that information. Obviously, the coroner’s report will become public. (3) I have not involved myself directly with the patient. I am certainly happy to offer my deepest sympathy to the family about what occurred. I am happy to say that I am sorry for the outcome, as I am sure that everyone in Western Australia is. I cannot apologise on behalf of the department until those reports are available and I know the circumstances of what happened and whether the treatment was inadequate. The outcome was tragic, we would all agree. There are question marks without doubt about what happened at Armadale hospital. The information that I have would suggest that the treatment, despite the tragic consequences, was what was advised to that intensive care unit. It is not the right time for me to be making any public comments about this. I do not have the direct contact details of the family to ring them and offer my apologies. I am happy to do this publicly. Mr R.H. Cook : They contacted your office. Dr K.D. HAMES : I was not aware of that contact. I will follow that up. It is not appropriate to make political mileage out of such a tragic issue. That is what the opposition is doing. Please wait and see what the circumstances were to see what happened. Apologising on behalf of the hospital is suggesting that the hospital did something wrong. I do not know that it did something wrong at this stage. I will wait and see, as is appropriate, particularly for the coroner’s report, to see what happened and what should have happened. I am happy to publicly acknowledge the tragic circumstances that led to the death of the child and offer my deepest sympathy.
Dr K.D. HAMES replied: (1)-(2) No, I am not aware of them contacting my office. In relation to the events that occurred, I have had briefing notes outlining the events that led to the tragic death of the child and the circumstances involved. My understanding is that this is being investigated by at least two and perhaps three separate bodies; the third being the State Coroner’s office, which initially had formed the view that an investigation was not required but which, at the request of lawyer John Hammond, is now reviewing that decision and has asked for the notes. The coroner will certainly investigate the death. Two health committees are looking into neonatal mortality; one is an overarching Department of Health committee and the other is a specific King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women committee that is investigating this particular case. I am aware that there was considerable consultation between the intensive care unit that was looking after the patient and King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women with regard to her management, and monitoring of those issues. The issue of her treatment at Armadale-Kelmscott Memorial Hospital will be dealt with as part of that inquiry. I can make public one of those reports. I am more than happy to make public the King Edward hospital neonatal mortality report. I gather I cannot make public the report of the overarching committee because it contains lots of private information, and a process has to be followed that does not allow me to release that information. Obviously, the coroner’s report will become public. (3) I have not involved myself directly with the patient. I am certainly happy to offer my deepest sympathy to the family about what occurred. I am happy to say that I am sorry for the outcome, as I am sure that everyone in Western Australia is. I cannot apologise on behalf of the department until those reports are available and I know the circumstances of what happened and whether the treatment was inadequate. The outcome was tragic, we would all agree. There are question marks without doubt about what happened at Armadale hospital. The information that I have would suggest that the treatment, despite the tragic consequences, was what was advised to that intensive care unit. It is not the right time for me to be making any public comments about this. I do not have the direct contact details of the family to ring them and offer my apologies. I am happy to do this publicly. Mr R.H. Cook : They contacted your office. Dr K.D. HAMES : I was not aware of that contact. I will follow that up. It is not appropriate to make political mileage out of such a tragic issue. That is what the opposition is doing. Please wait and see what the circumstances were to see what happened. Apologising on behalf of the hospital is suggesting that the hospital did something wrong. I do not know that it did something wrong at this stage. I will wait and see, as is appropriate, particularly for the coroner’s report, to see what happened and what should have happened. I am happy to publicly acknowledge the tragic circumstances that led to the death of the child and offer my deepest sympathy.
(1)-(2) No, I am not aware of them contacting my office. In relation to the events that occurred, I have had briefing notes outlining the events that led to the tragic death of the child and the circumstances involved. My understanding is that this is being investigated by at least two and perhaps three separate bodies; the third being the State Coroner’s office, which initially had formed the view that an investigation was not required but which, at the request of lawyer John Hammond, is now reviewing that decision and has asked for the notes. The coroner will certainly investigate the death. Two health committees are looking into neonatal mortality; one is an overarching Department of Health committee and the other is a specific King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women committee that is investigating this particular case. I am aware that there was considerable consultation between the intensive care unit that was looking after the patient and King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women with regard to her management, and monitoring of those issues. The issue of her treatment at Armadale-Kelmscott Memorial Hospital will be dealt with as part of that inquiry. I can make public one of those reports. I am more than happy to make public the King Edward hospital neonatal mortality report. I gather I cannot make public the report of the overarching committee because it contains lots of private information, and a process has to be followed that does not allow me to release that information. Obviously, the coroner’s report will become public. (3) I have not involved myself directly with the patient. I am certainly happy to offer my deepest sympathy to the family about what occurred. I am happy to say that I am sorry for the outcome, as I am sure that everyone in Western Australia is. I cannot apologise on behalf of the department until those reports are available and I know the circumstances of what happened and whether the treatment was inadequate. The outcome was tragic, we would all agree. There are question marks without doubt about what happened at Armadale hospital. The information that I have would suggest that the treatment, despite the tragic consequences, was what was advised to that intensive care unit. It is not the right time for me to be making any public comments about this. I do not have the direct contact details of the family to ring them and offer my apologies. I am happy to do this publicly. Mr R.H. Cook : They contacted your office. Dr K.D. HAMES : I was not aware of that contact. I will follow that up. It is not appropriate to make political mileage out of such a tragic issue. That is what the opposition is doing. Please wait and see what the circumstances were to see what happened. Apologising on behalf of the hospital is suggesting that the hospital did something wrong. I do not know that it did something wrong at this stage. I will wait and see, as is appropriate, particularly for the coroner’s report, to see what happened and what should have happened. I am happy to publicly acknowledge the tragic circumstances that led to the death of the child and offer my deepest sympathy.
Mr R.H. Cook : They contacted your office. Dr K.D. HAMES : I was not aware of that contact. I will follow that up. It is not appropriate to make political mileage out of such a tragic issue. That is what the opposition is doing. Please wait and see what the circumstances were to see what happened. Apologising on behalf of the hospital is suggesting that the hospital did something wrong. I do not know that it did something wrong at this stage. I will wait and see, as is appropriate, particularly for the coroner’s report, to see what happened and what should have happened. I am happy to publicly acknowledge the tragic circumstances that led to the death of the child and offer my deepest sympathy.
Dr K.D. HAMES : I was not aware of that contact. I will follow that up. It is not appropriate to make political mileage out of such a tragic issue. That is what the opposition is doing. Please wait and see what the circumstances were to see what happened. Apologising on behalf of the hospital is suggesting that the hospital did something wrong. I do not know that it did something wrong at this stage. I will wait and see, as is appropriate, particularly for the coroner’s report, to see what happened and what should have happened. I am happy to publicly acknowledge the tragic circumstances that led to the death of the child and offer my deepest sympathy.
It is not appropriate to make political mileage out of such a tragic issue. That is what the opposition is doing. Please wait and see what the circumstances were to see what happened. Apologising on behalf of the hospital is suggesting that the hospital did something wrong. I do not know that it did something wrong at this stage. I will wait and see, as is appropriate, particularly for the coroner’s report, to see what happened and what should have happened. I am happy to publicly acknowledge the tragic circumstances that led to the death of the child and offer my deepest sympathy.
Apologising on behalf of the hospital is suggesting that the hospital did something wrong. I do not know that it did something wrong at this stage. I will wait and see, as is appropriate, particularly for the coroner’s report, to see what happened and what should have happened. I am happy to publicly acknowledge the tragic circumstances that led to the death of the child and offer my deepest sympathy.
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