Dumped in the deep end: Locum doctor ‘too junior’ to manage toddler who later died of meningitis
It was his first time at the hospital yet his induction lasted possibly just minutes, coroner says.
Just minutes into his first shift, following a hasty introduction to a rural hospital’s ED, a locum doctor diagnosed Noah Souvatzis with gastroenteritis.
Two days later, the toddler died of bacterial meningitis.
The locum, Dr Paul Bumford, says he has replayed his actions “probably every day” since the tragedy.
Now Coroner Katherine Lorenz has delivered her report which identifies failings in Noah’s care, not least Wangaratta Hospital’s use of locums.
