Home / Health / Quebec Coroner Mandates Changes After 4-Year-Old's Death
Quebec Coroner Mandates Changes After 4-Year-Old's Death
28 Oct
Summary
- A four-year-old girl died following an asthma attack at Gatineau Hospital.
- Her mother reported feeling ignored while begging for help.
- Fourteen changes are being implemented by the local health authority.
A four-year-old girl from Gatineau, Chloé Bélanger, died earlier this year following an asthma attack that led to her admission at the Gatineau Hospital. Her mother has shared that the family felt they had to "beg" for more help during the approximately eight hours her daughter was at the emergency room before being transferred to an Ottawa hospital, where she later passed away.
The Quebec coroner's office has since released a report detailing 14 changes being implemented by the local health authority, Santé Québec Outaouais (SQO). These measures include revising protocols for moderate to severe child asthma and clarifying staff roles within the pediatric department. Medical staff are also being instructed to prioritize parent concerns during clinical evaluations and document their involvement in treatment administration.
The mother expressed sadness that corrective measures were not in place sooner, stating a weariness with a system that addresses issues only after a tragedy. She hopes these changes will prevent similar incidents in the future. SQO confirmed that an improvement plan has been implemented to strengthen care and services following the incident.
