Queensland’s Health Minister has ordered an investigation into why a toddler who died from traumatic injuries had earlier been allowed home from hospital with his family.
Cameron Dick said initial advice showed the clinicians fulfilled their duties to report Mason Jet Lee to the child safety department before his release.
His body was found at the home of his mother’s partner at Caboolture, north of Brisbane, on June 11.
It is believed the 21-month-old’s injuries were inflicted some time before his death.
“Initial advice is that we fulfilled our duties and responsibilities,” Mr Dick said.
“We have done what we needed to do.”
But he said: “Let’s look at all parts of the system to see what has occurred and what we can do to learn from this.”
Child Safety Minister Shannon Fentiman said a separate, independent investigation had already been launched – as is the case with all children who die who are known to her department.
It will examine why Mason was released to his family, despite the warning from doctors.
“Any recommendation will be implemented,” she said.
“It is an absolute tragedy.”
Health Min Cameron Dick says independent review into death of Mason ordered. Drs followed protocol @ABCNewsBrisbane pic.twitter.com/HEjwlq5Q6G
— Lexy Hamilton-Smith (@LexyHS1) July 10, 2016
Top Comments
This is more than a tragedy, it's a travesty! Poor little Mason, what a horrid short life he must of had. Bless his little Soul. RIP Mason.
This is heartbreaking; a little boy, a baby treated in this appalling way, a broken leg, nappy rash so bad that surgical dressings had to be applied, signs of anal penetration, and apparently there are hundreds more just like him.
Policemen and ambulance men sitting in the gutter outside the house wept when they saw the abuse his whole little body suffered.
Where are all the advocates now? Those people who jump up and down and scream from the rooftops about children in detention? Where are they? Will they now apply their care and concern to these tragic babies and children?