NSW Government Overhauls ‘REACH’ Health System, Renaming it ‘Joe’s Rule’ After Toddler’s Death

The NSW Government will rename the rapid response program to “Joe’s Rule” after the tragic death of two-year-old Joe Massa at Northern Beaches Hospital. 

Elouise and Danny Massa brought their two-year-old son Joe to the Northern Beaches Hospital emergency department on the morning of September 14 after he had been vomiting throughout the night. 

Despite hours in the ER, Joe did not receive the necessary care for hypovolemia, a condition caused by excessive fluid loss.

The Massa family said healthcare professionals should have activated a rapid response pathway, which would have quickly transferred Joe to a paediatric bed and had senior doctors review him within 10 minutes. 

Elouise told 2GB that the hospital ignored Joe’s worsening symptoms, including rising heart rate, limpness, rash and loss of consciousness, for over three hours. 

Despite requesting an IV drip three times, it was not provided. Then, at 9:40 am, Elouise shouted, “my son has gone blind” as Joe’s eyes rolled back, but she says the hospital failed to act on the signs of distress, including breathing difficulty and an enlarged stomach.

Shadow Health Minister Kellie Sloane criticised Northern Beaches Hospital following the toddler’s tragic death. Speaking on 2GB last week, Minister Sloane said it wasn’t an innocent mistake.

“Anyone listening to Elouise this morning would have understood that…Anyone who has read the report can see there were multiple system errors,” Minister Sloane said. 

“There’s no doubt in my mind that little Joe and his parents were let down by Northern Beaches Hospital and it’s an absolute tragedy,” she added. 

Health protocol to be renamed ‘Joe’s Rule’

The NSW government currently has a system allowing family members and carers to raise concerns about a patient’s condition. 

Known as ‘REACH,’ the protocol guides loved ones to first speak with a nurse or doctor, then request a clinical review. If concerns persist, they are encouraged to call the hospital’s ‘REACH’ number to trigger an independent review of the patient’s care. 

Following a meeting with Joe Massa’s parents, the government has committed to strengthening the system and renaming it ‘Joe’s Rule.’

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park expressed his “deepest condolences” to the child’s parents and family.

“Healthscope have advised me that they are reviewing the circumstances of this case. NSW Health has asked the Chief Obstetrician to review the circumstances as well.”

Minister Park is expected to write to Attorney-General Michael Daley, requesting a coronial inquest into Joe’s death.