Child death: Starship lift failure investigated

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An investigation is under way following the death of a child who was being transported for emergency treatment when a lift broke down at Starship children's hospital.

The Herald understands the young patient was in the Pediatric Intensive Care unit and died in February after a lift being used to transport the child for emergency treatment broke down.

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WorkSafe NZ confirmed it was aware of the incident and it was investigating the matter, but would not comment further.

It was understood that the child had a terminal illness or condition and was accompanied by medical staff while being transported in the lift.

Whether the lift's malfunction was a contributing factor to the death was the subject of the investigation, the Herald understands.

The Auckland District Health Board's chief medical officer Dr Richard Sullivan said: "The thoughts of all staff are with the family ... The coroner has opened an inquiry into the infant's death and it may be the subject of an inquest hearing.

"Accordingly it would not be appropriate for Auckland DHB to comment further at this stage."