Urgent inquiry into Northern Beaches Hospital after two-year-old Joe Massa’s death

State parliament will hold an inquiry into Northern Beaches Hospital and the circumstances around the tragic death of two-year-old Joe Massa after the toddler’s grieving parents met with Premier Chris Minns.

Elouise and Danny Massa, the parents of the boy who died after negligence at Northern Beaches hospital. Picture: NewsWire / Monique Harmer

State parliament will hold an inquiry into Northern Beaches Hospital and the circumstances around the tragic death of two-year-old Joe Massa after the toddler’s grieving parents met with Premier Chris Minns on Wednesday afternoon.

Joe died in September last year following a misdiagnosis and critical delays in treatment of his life-threatening but treatable condition.

A serious adverse event review findings report into his death found there had been a failure by the hospital to recognise and respond to deterioration and a failure to respond to parental concern.

Joe’s parents, Elouise and Danny Massa, met with the Premier, Health Minister Ryan Park and NSW Health secretary Susan Pearce on Wednesday, demanding change at the hospital.

Elouise and Danny Massa, parents of two-year-old Joe, who died after negligence at Northern Beaches Hospital, pictured with their son’s shoe after meeting with Premier Chris Minns. Picture: NewsWire / Monique Harmer

During the meeting, the state government discussed a parliamentary inquiry into the hospital that would also look at how the emergency department was functioning.

Mr Park will also ask the Attorney-General to hold a coronial inquest into Joe’s death.

The Massas also discussed a strengthening of the REACH protocol, a process within NSW Health which allows caregivers and parents to escalate concerns should they feel their loved one is not getting proper treatment.

Ms Massa said NSW Health had agreed to hold a round table to strengthen the REACH protocol and rename it “Joe’s Rule”.

“This means a more robust way for every single parent to know their rights,” she said.

“The roundtable will determine the new terms of reference for Joe’s Rule, and perhaps ways and mandating it.

“They’re open to every hospital in NSW implementing Joe’s Rule.’

Premier Chris Minns speaks in state parliament in Sydney. Picture: NewsWire / Monique Harmer

The couple said they also requested the Premier consider legislation safeguarding public hospitals against future private partnerships.

Northern Beaches Hospital is in a public-private partnership with Healthscope providing public patient services as well as a range of services for private patients.

Ms Massa said the Premier indicated he would consider looking at such legislation as well as examining the contract with Healthscope.

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park with NSW Health secretary Susan Pearce. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short

Mr Massa said the changes meant Joe had made a difference with his short life.

“We know that Joe’s life mattered and I think that we have a sense of relief that his death will also matter,” he said.

The Massas gave the Premier one of Joe’s little shoes to put on his desk as a reminder of what occurred. They gave the other shoe to Opposition leader Mark Speakman.

Mr Park said the meeting with the Massas was incredibly valuable and that they would immediately act on some of their suggestions

“Some of the suggestions and ideas the family have put forward we intend on progressing immediately,” he said.

“A number of these issues are complex and will require careful consideration in order for Elouise and Danny’s vision to be realised and Joe’s memory to be properly honoured.”