By Belinda Nolan
WESTERN Health will investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of a baby amid claims he was turned away from Sunshine Hospital.
Six-month-old Blake – one of triplets – was found dead in his cot in his Bacchus Marsh home last Monday.
His parents, Lee Alsop and Melissa Spiteri, claim the little boy died after being sent home by a doctor at Sunshine Hospital.
Grandmother Vivienne Alsop told Star all three babies had been ill and had been taken to doctors and Bacchus Marsh Hospital, before being referred to Sunshine Hospital after developing breathing problems.
“On the Sunday they got much worse,” Ms Alsop said.
“They were vomiting all the time and they were worried so Lee took them back to the doctor and he said it was possibly whooping cough and told him to take them to Sunshine Hospital.
“But the doctor there sent them home with a letter telling Lee to make sure he took them back to the hospital the next day.
“If they were concerned enough to write a letter, I don’t understand why they didn’t do something.”
Tragically, a carer discovered the lifeless body of the tiny boy in his cot last Monday morning.
Although Mr Alsop rushed the boy to Bacchus Marsh Hospital, doctors couldn’t save him.
Ms Alsop said the family believed Sunshine Hospital was to blame for the death.
“If they hadn’t turned them away, he could still be alive today,” she said.
The remaining triplets are currently being treated at the Royal Children’s Hospital.
It is still unclear what they are suffering from but doctors believe a viral infection is a possibility.
The Coroner is investigating the death.
Western Health chief executive Kath Cook last week extended her deepest sympathy to the boy’s family and promised to investigate the incident.
“Our hearts go out to the parents who have experienced the sorrow of losing their baby,” Ms Cook said.
“Western Health’s emergency department director has spoken personally with Blake’s father and provided extensive information and ongoing support to the family at this extremely difficult time.
“As with any matter of this kind it is critical that we understand the full extent of the circumstances and as such, a full and thorough investigation is under way.
“Western Health will now work with the Coroner to ascertain the circumstances surrounding this tragedy.”
