‘Disturbing:’ Calls grow for inquest into death of eight-month-old baby Willow Horne at Kalgoorlie Health Campus

Calls are growing for an investigation into the death of a girl who died at a regional WA hospital after a delayed medical flight allegedly prevented her from receiving specialist care.

Willow Horne was eight months old when her parents took her to Kalgoorlie Health Campus after she started experiencing breathing problems in September last year.

She was treated for pneumonia and mild dehydration, but her condition worsened within two days and plans were made for the Royal Flying Doctor Service to fly Willow to Perth Children’s Hospital, about 600km west of Kalgoorlie.

Willow’s flight was delayed because another patient was given priority, but the baby girl died before she could be transferred to Perth.

A clinical investigation found that Willow most likely died from the heart condition myocarditis rather than the respiratory disease for which she was initially treated, but the cause of death remains unknown.

The review found that the only realistic treatment available to him was at Perth Children’s Hospital.

A number of recommendations from the review into his death were implemented by the WA Country Health Service.

Her parents, Kaydence Sutherland and William Horne, demanded an inquest into their daughter’s death.

Ms Sutherland told ABC Perth that a clinical investigation gave her some clarity about what was going on in the hospital because she was in a state of shock at what was going on around her.

“Having someone review that report with me really helped me understand; it was pretty emotional for me to read all of that, pretty emotional for me to see how many times things could have been different in the report,” he said.

“I wish I could go back in time and argue for these things to be different, but you know, I was in a situation where I didn’t know any better.”

Ms Sutherland said she believed what was reported at the inquest, but said there was a possibility Willow would still be alive if things had gone differently.

“We’ll never know but we never got the chance to take it to Perth,” he said.

“There were treatments they could try that could possibly save his life if he got there in time.

“I wouldn’t want to hear a story like mine. I hope that these changes they want to make at the hospital will really make a difference. I wouldn’t wish this on another family.

“This is a terrible experience and it’s not fair.”

Shadow Health Minister Libby Mettam said the latest revelations were deeply disturbing and that the inquiry could independently examine what happened, hear sworn evidence and provide Willow’s family with the answers they deserve.

“Kaydence and William have already been let down by the healthcare system,” he said.

“They endured the unimaginable loss of their child and have since waited for answers rather than receiving the transparency, accountability and support they deserve.

“My thoughts remain with them and I hope they are provided with every support possible as they continue to navigate this heartbreakingly difficult time.”

WA Country Health Service general manager of clinical excellence Helen Van Gessell said following clinical examination they believed Willow’s death was caused by inflammation of the heart muscle, which is usually associated with a viral infection.

“While we knew nothing could replace their loss, it was important that we took a thorough and detailed look at what happened,” he said.

“It is very rare, difficult to diagnose and unfortunately when it causes heart failure, that is, heart muscle failure, the mortality rate is very high, especially in young children, even when care is provided through specialist children’s hospitals.

“Unfortunately, children with myocarditis sometimes die.

“This finding does not, of course, absolve us of our responsibility to examine every aspect of care so we can strengthen our systems and processes and support our hard-working healthcare staff to provide the best care they can.”

Dr Van Gessell said they made many recommendations aimed at improving the way they provided care following Willow’s death.

He said there are recommendations for additional staff training, standardizing communication, streamlining communication routes with pediatric intensive care and improving patient transfers.

“Unfortunately, this may not have changed the tragic outcome of baby Willow; it does not replace our continued pursuit of improvement and continuous learning,” he said.

Western Australian Attorney General Tony Buti said he would support the investigation but leave the decision to the coroner.

“My thoughts are with Willow’s family and all her loved ones who are dealing with this tragic loss,” he said.

“The coroner is looking at all the evidence independently and I have confidence in that process.”

The Minister of Health was contacted for comment.