Peninsula parents of boy, 13, who died following suspected anaphylaxis call for greater awareness about food allergies

THE parents of a boy who died at Frankston Hospital following suspected anaphylaxis have called for greater awareness about the dangers of food allergies.

Louis Tate died following suspected anaphylaxis at Frankston Hospital.

THE parents of a boy who died at Frankston Hospital following suspected anaphylaxis have called for greater awareness about the dangers of food allergies.

Simon Tate and Gabrielle Catan said their son, Louis, was diagnosed with severe food allergies as a baby and subsequently they always carried an EpiPen.

But in October 2015, it all went horribly wrong after Louis, then 13, was admitted to Frankston Hospital due to asthma.

While the Coroner’s inquest is yet to be held, Louis’ parents believe food he was given at the hospital contributed to his death. However, they said hospital officials told them Louis suffered a complication to the anaesthesia he was administered.

The couple stressed Louis was not a sickly child, but rather an active boy who took part in a range of activities including Nippers, Scouts and Little Athletics.

He was allergic to milk, eggs and nuts, but due to vigilance had never had to use his EpiPen.

The couple — who spoke to the Leader as part of Food Allergy­ Week (May 14-20) — said they hoped food safety and anaphylactic management would be examined as part of any coronial inquiry.

They said it was essential food allergies were taken as seriously as medication was within the hospital system.

Louis Tate was an active child.

“What sort of checks are there for training and food safety at hospitals to ensure it meets a standard?” Mr Tate said.

“There needs to be something beyond the Food Act. People go into hospital for a reason and they’re at risk.”

The grieving dad said the family was still coming to terms with Louis’ death.

“Throughout his life at school and childcare we worked successfully with all of them to make sure his dietary requirements were met,” Mr Tate said.

“He never had anaphylaxis in any of those environments.”

Kathryn Booth, head of Maurice Blackburn’s medical negligence practice, said the law firm had represented several families in recent years who had lost loved ones due to food allergies.

“These deaths could have been avoided, so society as a whole needs to be much more aware of how serious food allergies are,” she said.

“They really can be the difference between life and death.”

Peninsula Health executive director of medical services Dr Timothy Williams did not respond to questions.

“As the matter is before the Coroner, we are unable to make any comment,” he said.