Toddler dies hours after being sent home from Queensland hospital
The girl's parents were reportedly told her rapid breathing would go back to normal “once the Panadol kicked in".
A Queensland family are grieving the "unfathomable" loss of their "sweet" baby girl who died hours after being sent home from hospital.
Lola Winchcole began experiencing cold and flu symptoms, leading a trip to the GP on August 5, where her parents were reassured she would be all right to return to daycare on Monday.
However as her symptoms started worsening and the 20-month-old began struggling to breathe properly, Matthew and Toni Winchcole rushed her to hospital that evening, The Courier Mail reports.
At Beaudesert Hospital, the parents were reportedly told Lola's rapid breathing would go back to normal “once the Panadol kicked in" and she was sent home. However sadly after monitoring her all night, the couple found her lifeless at 8am the following morning.
“I’ve never heard anyone scream like that in my life,” Ms Winchcole told the publication of her husband when he found Lola.
After calling Triple-0, Lola was taken to Logan Hospital by ambulance, where her parents were told she had Strep A in her blood. However Lola's death is is still being investigated by the coroner.
“When a doctor sends you home, you think it’ll be fine," Ms Winchcole told the Courier Mail. "It has been incredibly hard, especially because nobody seems to have any answers for us. A cause of death may not help entirely but it could offer us some closure.”
GoFundMe started for 'precious' Lola
To help the family navigate the "devastating" loss of their "sweet little girl", a friend has set up a GoFundMe for medical, funeral and general financial assistance, which at the time of writing has reached $32,600 out of the $35,000 goal.
"She has left behind a mum, dad and 5-year-old big sister who are bearing the unfathomable grief of loosing their precious daughter and little sister," she wrote.
Health service offers 'deepest sympathies'
Brett Bricknell, the acting executive director of Logan and Beaudesert Health Service, has expressed his support for the family.
"We extend our deepest sympathies to the parents, family and friends of this precious baby who passed away on 6 August," he told Yahoo News Australia in a statement.
"We continue to provide support to her parents and family, as well as to staff who provided care. The Health Service is reviewing this case in accordance with clinical governance processes.
"The matter remains with the Coroner and as such we are not able to provide further information at this time."
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
