Health authorities in New South Wales have initiated a formal investigation into a regional hospital following the tragic deaths of an elderly couple, who succumbed to influenza just days after allegedly being denied medical treatment.
A Fatal Weekend Without Care
Margaret Wing, 64, and Steven Jackson, 76, died from Influenza A on November 16. Their deaths came after a worker at Inverell Hospital, in northern NSW, reportedly informed them that no doctors were available to see them. The couple had fallen ill, and as their condition worsened, Ms Wing contacted the hospital on Friday, November 14, seeking urgent help. She was allegedly told they could not be seen until after the weekend.
Tragically, both were found unresponsive at their home on the Sunday evening by their 18-year-old grandson. The couple's daughter, Mandy Wing, holds the hospital directly responsible for their deaths, stating her initial complaints went unanswered.
A Daughter's Anguish and Unanswered Calls
Mandy Wing maintains her parents' deaths were entirely preventable. "If my mum or dad got to see a doctor, one of them, or maybe both of them, would still be alive," she said. She described how her parents initially had mild sniffles, but their symptoms rapidly deteriorated when they could not secure a local GP appointment.
"I have never seen my dad so weak like that," Ms Wing recalled. "So they decided to pack a bag and mum called the hospital. She asked if she could see a doctor and when one would be available, and she was told she would have to wait until Monday because there was no doctor available."
Concerned by this response, Ms Wing called the hospital herself. "I spoke to the nurse who answered the phone with 'hello, emergency', and I stressed how sick they were," she said. "The nurse was a bit rude really. Maybe they were understaffed, maybe she was trying her best, but that's no excuse. They have a duty of care and I was just told there was no doctor available."
Investigation and Hollow Promises
In the wake of the tragedy and subsequent media coverage, the Hunter New England Local Health District confirmed it is reviewing the circumstances surrounding the family's contact with Inverell Hospital. Officials have now contacted Ms Wing to discuss her concerns.
A district spokesman offered condolences and insisted: "NSW public hospitals will never turn people away needing urgent or emergency treatment." The statement added that Inverell Hospital provides emergency care 24/7 and that patients are supported via on-demand virtual care with specialist doctors when a doctor is not physically on site.
However, Ms Wing revealed she was only informed of these alternative options, such as ambulance transfer to Armidale Hospital or accessing a digital doctor service, after her parents had died. "The nurse simply said there was no doctor until Monday November 17," she stated.
While acknowledging the investigation, Ms Wing finds little solace. "They said they are putting policies in place," she said. "Great for the future but unfortunately not for my parents." She added, "I'm mentally not okay... I can't grieve because who loses their parents at the same time? It doesn't feel real. I just don't want this to happen to anybody else."
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park also extended his sympathies to the family, reiterating that emergency departments will never refuse emergency care. The review by the local health district is ongoing.
