Dubbo Base Hospital: Boy, 4, was discharged 48 hours before death

Shocking allegations have been uncovered after a boy died less than 48 hours after he was discharged from a hospital in the state’s west.

Shocking allegations inside Dubbo Base Hospital has revealed a boy who died had been discharged by clinicians – and then returned to the emergency department by carers raising the alarm in the hours before his death.

It can be revealed the four-year-old boy, who was in out-of-home foster care, was discharged on Sunday by Dubbo Base Hospital clinicians before his foster carers returned to the hospital less than 48 hours later, where he later died on Tuesday morning.

The Daily Telegraph understands NSW Health Minister Ryan Park has been briefed on the death of the four-year-old boy, acknowledging the Dubbo community’s desire for a thorough review into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“My heartfelt condolences go out to the family of this young boy,” the minister said. “Any death of a child so young is tragic and heartbreaking.

“In line with NSW Health policy a clinical review will be undertaken.

“I understand the matter has been referred to the NSW Coroner.”

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park. Picture: Jeremy Piper

The Daily Telegraph revealed officers from the Orana Mid-Western Police District attended Dubbo Hospital after reports the boy had died about 6am on September 5.

It is understood NSW Police will investigate “possible criminal negligence”, according to NSW Government sources who said extensive inquiries were already underway.

One senior government source, aware of the investigation, said a NSW Police investigation was required “as the foster boy was discharged from the care of the hospital 48 hours before his death”.

A coronial inquest and a NSW Health Ministry clinical review will be conducted, as the boy was in out-of-home care.

There is no suggestion of wrongdoing by the foster parents.

Dubbo Base Hospital. Picture: Ryan Young

A Department of Communities and Justice spokesman said it was “saddened to hear of the death of a four-year-old child in Dubbo”.

“Our thoughts go out to his family and friends,” the spokesman said. “DCJ does not comment on individual child protection matters.”

A Western NSW Local Health District spokesman said it offers “deepest condolences to the family” of the boy following his death.

“As the matter has been referred to the Coroner, it is not appropriate to provide further comment at this time,” the spokesman said.

Meanwhile, it is also understood NSW Nurses and Midwives representatives were providing support to members at Dubbo Base Hospital.

NSW Health and NSW Police were contacted for comment.