The mother of a 13-year-old boy who died from complications arising from undiagnosed appendicitis in the Hunter New England Health Region says she's still trying to understand how he could've died from a completely treatable condition in the 21st century.
Luca Thomas Raso died in February 2017 after a Mid North Coast GP diagnosed him with viral gastronenteritis - he'd been vomiting and feeling generally unwell for 2 days prior to seeing the doctor.
When his symptoms didn't improve 2 days later, Luca went back to the GP who confirmed the original diagnosis. Three days later, Lucas collapsed at home and died hours later in hospital.
An autopsy found Luca had a perforated appendix and developed gangrenous peritonitis.
A 4 day inquest into his death starts today at Newcastle Local Court.
Luca's mother, Michelle Degenhart hopes the inquest will shed light on why he died.
“My energetic, loving and wise Luca died of a completely treatable condition in 21st century Australia. I have spent the past two and half years trying to understand how this could happen and I’m hoping that a coronial inquest can help stop it happening to another family. I know that’s what Luca would want,” Ms Degenhardt said.
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| Luca Thomas Raso Picture: Michelle Degenhardt |
