The family of Leo Lagana, a 22-year-old Wollongong man with a rare form of dwarfism who died last month, is demanding answers over his death.
In late January, Leo suffered a seizure and was taken to the Prince of Wales Hospital, a hospital for adults, after being denied treatment at the Sydney Children’s Hospital, where he had been treated before and where the proper equipment was available to handle his child-sized body.
The family claimed the doctors at Prince of Wales Hospital were ill-equipped to handle Leo’s condition.
“When we got up to Prince of Wales, they didn’t know what to do,” Pauline Lagana, Leo’s mother, told 7NEWS.
“Three of them (doctors) were reading out of a book like they were fixing a washing machine.”
Leo, who stands 92 centimetres tall, had been in and out of the hospital for a month as his condition worsened, and he was scared during his last visit.
The 7NEWS report aired a heart-wrenching video filmed just hours before his death. He told his mother, “I’m scared … of something bad”, as he told her he loved her through frightened tears.
Pauline and her husband are now calling for answers and hope their son’s death will not be repeated.
“(Sydney Children’s Hospital) said as long as (Leo) needed help, he would always be welcome … but when it came to the crunch, they weren’t there for him,” Pauline said.
“If they’re gonna do that, then these kids are doomed from the word go.”
NSW Health has issued a statement to the broadcaster, expressing its condolences to the family and acknowledging the concerns raised by Leo’s parents.
“NSW Health extends its deepest condolences to the parents, family, and friends of Leo Lagana following his tragic death,” a spokesperson said.
“We acknowledge the concerns raised by Leo’s parents, and NSW Health is reviewing the care provided to Leo.”
Leo was known for his bright personality and was an inspiration to many through his online presence and in the Illawarra area.
Tributes poured in for the “strong” and “determined” young man on word of his passing.
Pauline Lagana said on Facebook, “I’m so sorry I couldn’t do more for you … RIP, my angel.”
“Mum and Dad have such a void now. Forever broken.”
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of this brave little man Leo Lagana who has endured many health challenges in his short life,” another loved one said.
“Leo in one way or another, has touched us all over the years. He was a strong and determined little man who brought all of joy, tears, and courage. We are all blessed to have known him.”
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