News

Baby died after oxygen ‘mix-up’

SIX years after the death of a newborn baby in an alleged oxygen mix-up at Bankstown Lidcombe Hospital, a 61-year-old has been charged with manslaughter by criminal negligence.

Christopher Turner was also charged with causing grievous bodily harm by negligent act or omission.
Police allege he failed to adhere to the Australia standards when certifying oxygen connections within the neonatal medical gas outlet at the hospital.
Bankstown Police were notified of the death on Wednesday, July 13, 2016, and following investigations, a report was prepared and provided for the information of the Coroner.
In 2021, a Coronial inquest commenced into the circumstances surrounding the baby’s death; however, the matter was referred to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) during the inquest for a review of the police brief of evidence.
As a result, the ODPP provided advice to police and, following further inquiries, Mr Turner was arrested and charged.
Mr Turner was granted conditional bail including a $10,000 security, reporting to police three times a week and surrendering his passport.