Coroner inquest into death of Port Stephens boy Luca Thomas Raso begins
The NSW Coroner has begun a four day inquest into the manner and cause of death of 13-year-old Luca Thomas Raso at Newcastle Coroner’s Court.
Newcastle
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The mother of a son who tragically died from undiagnosed appendicitis, has made an emotional speech outside Newcastle Court on Monday, hoping an inquest into his death will stop it happening to another child or family.
The NSW Coroner has begun a four day inquest into the manner and cause of death of 13-year-old Luca Thomas Raso, after seeking medical treatment in the week leading up to his death.
“Lucas was full of life, loving and loyal. He was courageous, cheeky and a wisdom beyond his years and we miss him everyday,” his mother, Michelle Degenhardt said.
“As a mother there will never be another loss that comes close to losing my child. It’s like a nerve has been severed and remains open and raw.
“Lucas’ brothers and sisters have also lost an integral part of themselves, like a puzzle that has lost a connecting piece and nothing is the same.
“Our grief has been made worse because we know now that Lucas died of a condition that is normally treatable in modern day Australia.
“I have spent the last two and a half years trying to understand how this could of happened and I’m very grateful Lucas death will now be thoroughly examined by the coroner.
“Without any doubt, I know more than anything, that is what Lucas would want.”
In February 2017, the teen was diagnosed by a Nelson Bay GP as suffering viral gastroenteritis after two days of vomiting and being generally unwell.
Three days later Luca’s condition deteriorated rapidly and he collapsed at home while his mother was calling an ambulance and despite CPR being administered by his brother and paramedics, he died in hospital some hours later.
An autopsy revealed that Luca had a perforated appendix and developed gangrenous peritonitis.
The NSW Coroner will consider whether the GP should have considered appendicitis as a possible diagnosis and whether the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners provided sufficient guidance to its members with respect to the diagnosis and management of appendicitis.
Representing Luca’s mother, Maurice Blackburn’s National Head of Medical Negligence, Dimitra Dubrow said it’s important for the community as well as the family that the inquest determine the facts surrounding Luca’s death.
“Once there has been a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading up to Luca’s death, the medical profession and the broader community have an opportunity to rectify any gaps that may be identified in the assessment and treatment of children presenting with similar symptoms,” she said.
“Michelle’s doggedness in being her son’s champion and pushing for this inquest is incredibly moving and admirable.”