A high-level review into the death of a child who collapsed at home and stopped breathing after routine tonsil surgery has criticised the support health officials offered the boy’s grieving family but cleared the standard of medical care provided. 

The 6-year-old died on April 7 last year at Starship children’s hospital after his life support was switched off. 

The tonsil operation took place privately at a Southern Cross hospital in Auckland days earlier. 

It’s understood the family were told there was a complication during surgery and that the boy required follow up care at Starship before he was discharged home. 

The boy collapsed and began vomiting blood at his West Auckland home on April 3 before he was rushed back to hospital in critical condition, where he later died, sparking a joint review. 

In a statement, Health NZ and Southern Cross Healthcare said the review was completed late last year. 

“We can confirm the review found appropriate surgical care and management of the initial event, the deterioration at home and second admission to Starship children’s hospital.” 

However, it found Health New Zealand “could and should do more to support families with a bereavement”. 

“We acknowledge this and are making improvements.” 

Health NZ and Southern Cross Healthcare are refusing to release the review to the Herald, saying the grieving family had asked for the findings to remain confidential. 

“We want to respect their wishes.” 

The Herald argued there was clear public interest in the review being released for the sake of transparency and to help understand the circumstances surrounding the tragic death. 

The Herald has also requested details of what shortcomings were identified in supporting the family and what changes have been introduced following the incident. 

Health NZ refused to answer further questions, but said, “We have extended our deepest condolences to the family over their loss”. 

Desperate bid to save dying child 

Paramedics and emergency workers made a desperate bid to rush the stricken boy to hospital after he collapsed at home. 

The Herald has confirmed an ambulance en route to hospital with the critically injured child pulled over near a field where it was met by the Auckland Rescue Helicopter. 

A Hato Hato St John spokesperson said staff were notified of a medical event at a Massey address at 8.13am on April 3. 

“Two ambulances, one rapid response unit, one operations manager, and one helicopter responded. One patient, in a critical condition, was transported to Auckland City Hospital by ambulance. 

“The helicopter was dispatched to deliver blood products and an emergency doctor to assist our response while en route to Auckland City Hospital.” 

An Auckland Rescue Helicopter spokesperson said the chopper was dispatched at 8.34am to assist a boy suffering a medical complaint. 

It’s understood a pre-hospital emergency doctor landed in a field near the ambulance and helped treat the boy as he was rushed to Starship by road. 

St John would not comment further now the incident was under investigation by the coroner. 

‘It just doesn’t make any sense’ 

The little boy died with his parents by his side. 

A source earlier told the Herald the operation was supposed to have been a routine day procedure, but the boy had been kept in hospital for a couple of days due to “complications” before being discharged home. 

After returning home, “he started saying he had some pain in his throat but then suddenly he started throwing up blood, collapsed and went unconscious”. 

It’s understood that the boy stopped breathing. 

The source said there were many unanswered questions about the boy’s death. 

“It’s a very standard operation. It just doesn’t make any sense.” 

Several high-level investigations were launched following the incident. Police visited the hospital after the boy died. 

The boy was rushed to Starship children's hospital by ambulance after collapsing at his West Auckland home. Photo / Natalie Slade 

In a statement on Tuesday, police said they had now completed investigations and sent the matter to the Coroner’s office. 

Southern Cross Healthcare chief medical officer Dr Erica Whineray Kelly said last year safety was its highest priority. The organisation was “devastated” a patient had died following surgery at one of its hospitals. 

“Our thoughts are with the child’s family and whānau during this incredibly sad and difficult time.” 

Lane Nichols is Deputy Head of News and a senior journalist for the New Zealand Herald with more than 20 years’ experience in the industry.