Joondalup Health Campus in Perth has left the family of 21-month-old Sandipan Dhar gutted. On March 22, 2022, Sandip’s parents—Sanjoy and his wife—had to take their son to the emergency department. He’d been fighting an unexplained fever for months. Two days later, Sandipan’s condition worsened significantly, resulting in his tragic passing on March 24.
The painful journey began when a general practitioner referred the Dhar family to the emergency department with a letter requesting comprehensive tests, including blood work. Upon arrival, Sandipan’s parents communicated their concerns to Dr. Caolan O’Hearrain, emphasizing their GP’s request for blood tests. Dr Yii Siow, who treated Sandipan, decided to order a urinalysis. She thought this blood test would at least eliminate a UTI as the culprit.
Dr. Siow appeared in court to testify about what she observed that day. Indeed, she said, there was no reason for concern when the family walked out of the hospital. She painted a vivid picture of Sandipan appearing bright, well and playful, full of beans and confident in her diagnosis of viral tonsillitis. Dr. Siow confessed she hadn’t seen the letter from the GP explaining the urgency of the requested tests. She did admit that it would have been “perfect” to take a look.
A Missed Opportunity for Diagnosis
After a long night of waiting on March 22, Sandipan was discharged without his blood group having been determined. Dr. Siow quickly ruled out ordering a blood test. She took the wise approach of waiting until her urine test came back first. The family discharged from the ED on Dr. Siow’s assurances.
Dr. O’Hearrain later faced questions regarding whether he had communicated the family’s concerns to Dr. Siow. He testified in court, “I think I did but I just don’t remember 100 percent.” This lack of clarity and uncertainty has created major concerns on how communication is being carried out within the hospital.
As Sandipan’s condition quickly deteriorated, two days after their first visit the Dhar family found themselves back at Joondalup Health Campus—with Sandipan in critical condition. Dr. Siow’s court testimony eventually revealed her failure to spot a significant note about Sandipan’s deteriorating health. This miscalculation had major ramifications for his treatment.
Heartbreaking Testimony from the Parents
Through the proceedings, Sanjoy Dhar expressed his profound sadness. He didn’t want to believe that he and his family members had walked away from the ED before with no red flags triggered by the clinical staff. He recalled Dr. Siow’s final words as they departed the hospital:
“Your son is beautiful, take him home, there is nothing wrong with him.”
Finally, the lawyer for the Dhar family pointed out that eyewitnesses remember things differently. That’s not to say that either side is lying. Grant Donaldson SC said of the two versions of events, “It doesn’t necessarily mean that one person is lying and one person isn’t lying.” Furthermore, he pointed out that memory is sometimes selective and inaccurate.
In light of this tragedy, Sanjoy Dhar has been vocal about the impact that Joondalup Health Campus’s actions have had on his family. He stated in court,
The Aftermath and Calls for Accountability
Perhaps that’s why this short statement captures the tremendous emotional and psychological impact that Sandipan’s death has taken on his parents. Her case has raised awareness about accountability and the need for effective communication and rigor in the clinical environment.
“Unknowingly, Joondalup hospital has destroyed our life.”
With investigations still ongoing, so many questions remain. How in the world could such a horrible thing happen in a healthcare system designed to protect and serve patients? For now, the Dhar family is still on a quest for answers. They want their story to lead to changes in hospital protocols so that no other family has to suffer this kind of heartbreak.
As investigations continue, many are questioning how such a tragic incident could occur within a healthcare system designed to protect and care for its patients. The Dhar family seeks answers and hopes that their story will lead to improvements in hospital protocols that ensure no other family has to endure such heartbreak.
