Parents of 28-year-old who died with COVID-19 launch formal complaint against Queensland hospital
Queenslanders Megan and Ron Moore have spoken out after losing their 28-year-old son Lachlan to COVID-19, a death they say could have been prevented had rapid antigen tests been available.
The pair have launched a formal complaint into Redcliffe Hospital, south of Brisbane, after their son died in his sleep at home, hours after being discharged.
"He was just so happy and fun and loved everybody," Ms Moore said.
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Lachlan was born with the developmental disorder Angelman syndrome, as well as epilepsy and cerebral palsy. Supplied
Lachlan was born with the developmental disorder Angelman syndrome, as well as epilepsy and cerebral palsy. He is now the youngest in the state to have died with COVID-19.
On New Year's Eve, he was taken to hospital by ambulance with a high fever and seizures.
Lachlan had been showing symptoms of COVID-19 and was double vaccinated, but was still waiting on a PCR test result when he was hospitalised.
Ms Moore said that when she had asked hospital staff for a rapid antigen test, she was told they were reserved for patients requiring intubation.
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Queenslanders Megan and Ron Moore have spoken out after losing their 28-year-old son Lachlan to COVID-19. 9News
Lachlan was discharged from hospital and recommended antibiotics, but died in his sleep at home eight hours later.
The next day, his PCR test results showed he was COVID-19 positive, but his death was formally listed as a brain bleed.
"Lachlan had an x-ray that showed an upper respiratory infection. Why wasn't that ringing alarm bells with the doctor?" Mr Moore said.
"Why can't we give a $4 test to a patient that's showing COVID symptoms? That's not just about protecting Lachlan, that's about protecting the staff as well."
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Lachlan's parents have launched a formal complaint into Redcliffe Hospital, south of Brisbane, after their son died in his sleep at home, hours after being discharged. 9News
Health Minister Yvette D'Ath said the incident would be investigated by Queensland Health.
"I know that young man suffered from underlying health conditions," Ms D'Ath said.
"As for his death, it has been referred to the coroner."
An internal investigation is currently underway, and the Moore family will meet with Redcliffe Hospital directors tomorrow to discuss their complaint.
"I don't want this to happen to anybody else, our little boy would still be alive," Ms Moore said.
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