A six-year-old boy has died with influenza only days after leaving hospital in northeast South Australia.
The child reportedly left Riverland General Hospital in Berri last week after being admitted with the flu.
The boy died only days after returning home, sparking an investigation by the state coroner.
Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network told 7News it had provided patient records to the coroner.
“This is a tragic loss for the family and community,” a spokesperson said.
“We offer our deepest sympathies to the child’s family.
“We have conducted an initial review of the care provided.
“We are confident appropriate diagnostic and medical care was given in line with best practice.”
The boy is understood to have been sick for a week before the family were told he was well enough to leave.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said he expected a “thorough investigation” by the coroner.
“No matter how it’s happened, it’s heartbreaking.” he said.
“There’s almost always a thorough investigation into it.
“That’s what I expect to occur in this instance.”
The spokesperson said the hospital staff were well-equipped to support patients with a variety of ailments.
“The Riverland General Hospital ED (RGH) is staffed by highly trained physicians,” they said.
“(They include) emergency physicians and rural generalists, who are highly skilled and qualified to care for a wide range of acute presentations, including children.
“The RGH has sufficient staff to provide the 24/7 emergency department service to the community.”
The incident comes amid mounting criticism over the handling of healthcare cases at the hospital.
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