‘All you needed to do was call 111’: Girl died of illness as mum and aunt argued over who would help her
A young girl with complex medical needs died after her mother and aunt failed to seek medical attention for three days, despite her deteriorating condition. The two women are now facing manslaughter charges in the High Court, with experts stating the girl's death was preventable. The article highlights the mother's personal struggles and the family's neglect.
Why it matters
This case underscores the severe consequences of neglect, particularly for vulnerable individuals with complex health conditions, and raises questions about parental responsibility and the support systems available for struggling caregivers. It also highlights the legal ramifications of such failures.
For three days, two sisters argued over who should take a seriously ill girl to hospital as she suffered headaches and vomiting. On the fourth day, she was found unconscious on her aunt’s couch and could not be revived. Experts have concluded the girl would not have died had she received prompt medical attention. Today, her mother and aunt were in the High Court at Wellington for sentencing on manslaughter charges after failing to act. The girl had complex medical needs and relied on a shunt inserted into her brain to drain fluid into her abdomen. Her mother knew headaches, fevers and seizures could signal a medical emergency and that her daughter needed prompt medical attention. But as the girl deteriorated, her mother was broke, dealing with car trouble and struggling with suicidal thoughts. Meanwhile, the girl’s aunt continued texting her sister to come and collect her daughter.
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