Queenstown family mourns daughter, 7, who died hours after hospital visit
Health New Zealand has launched an internal review following the tragic death of a 7-year-old girl who passed away shortly after being discharged from a Queenstown hospital. The family is currently seeking community support to cover funeral costs and repatriation to Chile.
Why it matters
The case highlights concerns regarding emergency medical care standards and the financial vulnerability of migrant families in the healthcare system.
Health bosses have vowed to investigate after a 7-year-old “happy, healthy little girl” died just hours after being discharged from a Queenstown hospital.
Jennifer Eulogio and her young family, originally from Chile, were living and working in Queenstown when her daughter, Maite Eulogio, 7, fell ill last week.
“When she first became unwell, we took her to the emergency department at Lakes District Hospital, where she was assessed and discharged home,” according to a Givealittle page set up to help with funeral expenses and to take her home to Chile.
“Just a few hours later, her condition worsened, and we rushed back to the emergency department.
“Tragically, she passed away shortly after our arrival.”
After questions from the Herald today, Dr David Gow, Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora chief medical officer for Southern and Te Waipounamu, said an internal review will be launched.
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