The family of a four-year-old boy who died at Wellington Hospital last month says more should have been done to prevent his death.
Initial autopsy reports indicate Sebby Chua may have died from sepsis caused by tonsillitis and pharyngitis - his death is now before the coroner and the Health & Disability Commissioner.
Meanwhile, his parents, Neil and Abegail Chua, are left wondering whether their son would still be alive if medical staff had acted with more urgency.
Neil says Sebby was mis-diagnosed at Kenepuru Hospital on a Thursday, less than a week before his death.
But by 11am on Monday, Sebby was admitted to Wellington Hospital with swollen arms.
His family says no one took their concerns seriously until about 5.30pm, when he was rushed into a resuscitation room.
By 7.30pm, Sebby was dead.
The couple is leaving for the Philippines today with their younger son Sedric, and Sebby's ashes.
The family moved here less than a year ago from Sydney. Now, relatives back home will never get the chance to meet Sebby.
Meanwhile, baby Sedric doesn't know where his big brother has gone.
In statement Te Whatu Ora Capital, Coast and Hutt Valley says it recognises how distressing it can be to lose a loved one in difficult circumstances, particularly a young child - but can't comment publicly while the case is being investigated.
Sebby Chua's death is the second unexpected death in a hospital in a week and the third since June, where staffing pressures have been raised.
