A coronial inquest has commenced into the heartbreaking death of a newborn baby girl at a Far North Queensland hospital, a tragedy that has left a family searching for answers and prompted a review of medical procedures.
Inquest Opens into Tragic Hospital Incident
The proceedings, overseen by Cairns Coroner Nerida Wilson, are examining the circumstances surrounding the death of Wren Lily Anne Preo. The infant passed away shortly after her birth at the Atherton Hospital on September 1, 2022. The inquest, which began on Monday, aims to determine the cause of death and identify any potential systemic issues.
Counsel assisting the coroner, Emily Cooper, outlined the case to the court. She explained that Wren's mother, Sarah Preo, was admitted to the hospital in the early hours of that day. Her labour was considered low-risk and progressed normally. Wren was born in good condition at 9:14 am.
Sequence of Events Under Scrutiny
However, the situation deteriorated approximately 90 minutes after the birth. Counsel assisting stated that the baby was found to be in respiratory distress and required resuscitation. Despite the efforts of medical staff, Wren Preo could not be revived and was pronounced dead at 12:08 pm.
The inquest heard that a key focus of the investigation will be the clinical observations and care provided in the period between the birth and the emergency. The court will scrutinise the actions taken by hospital staff and the protocols that were in place. Several healthcare workers from Atherton Hospital are scheduled to give evidence throughout the week-long hearing.
Family Seeks Closure and Accountability
The tragic loss has had a profound impact on Wren's parents, Sarah and her partner. The family's legal representation is participating in the inquest to ensure a thorough examination of all facts. While the coroner's process is not designed to assign blame, it is a critical mechanism for uncovering the truth and providing recommendations to prevent similar future tragedies.
The investigation by the coroner is a standard procedure following an unexpected death in a healthcare setting. Its findings will be crucial for Queensland Health in evaluating and potentially improving maternity care practices at regional facilities like Atherton Hospital. The community of Atherton and the wider Far North region will be watching the outcome closely, as it touches on the vital trust placed in local health services.
The inquest continues.
