Parents seek answers after baby's unexplained death in regional WA hospital

The parents of an eight-month-old baby girl who died at a regional Western Australia hospital are still searching for answers after a clinical review failed to establish a cause of death. Baby Willow Katarina Horne passed away on September 9 last year, two days after being admitted to Kalgoorlie Health Campus with respiratory issues.

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They reassured us that nothing else could have been done for Willow … I believe she would have had a great chance if she made it to Perth.

Her parents, Kaydence Sutherland and William Horne, are pinning their hopes on a coronial inquest to uncover what happened. "As Willow's parents, I think we deserve to know what happened to our daughter and how it happened," Ms Sutherland stated, expressing a feeling of being let down. She believes Willow might have survived if she had been transferred to Perth.

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As Willow's parents, I think we deserve to know what happened to our daughter and how it happened … and if an inquest can get us some answers then that's what I'd like.

A review led by WA Country Health Service's executive director of clinical excellence, Helen Van Gessel, involved six healthcare professionals. The panel concluded in February that while no medical negligence was found, Willow's death was likely due to myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle often caused by a viral infection. Dr. Van Gessel described myocarditis as rare, difficult to diagnose, and having a high fatality rate in young children when it leads to heart failure.

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I do feel quite failed … I feel we failed Willow; she could have possibly been here if things were done the way they should have been.

The review report highlighted limitations in the aeromedical retrieval network at the time Willow required transfer to Perth Children's Hospital, which resulted in a plane not being available. Dr. Van Gessel assured that Willow's parents were kept informed throughout the process, which aimed to provide a thorough examination of the events. She emphasized that the staff involved were deeply concerned for Willow's well-being.

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While we do not have a confirmed cause of death, as a panel, we formed the view that Willow's death was likely due to myocarditis, which is inflammation of the heart muscle, usually due to a viral infection.