06 December 2007

Inquiry into Death of Jehan Nassif

"The findings of the Coroner will help us to learn further from this tragic experience and to do everything we can to prevent deaths from this disease," said Dr Kerry Chant deputy chief health officer for NSW Health. "The Coroner's first recommendation is that the Department review the information provided to high school students who receive the vaccine against Meningococcal C to ensure they understand that the vaccine does not provide protection against what is now the most prevalent strain - meningococcal B," said Dr Chant.

"The Coroner's second recommendation is that the Department review information provided by Public Health Officers to contacts of suspected cases to enhance their understanding of the risks of transmission and the purpose of clearance antibiotics.

"The third recommendation is that the Department consider the best way in which secondary contacts can be notified and informed that they may have been exposed to the infection.

Dr Chant advised that these recommendations have been referred to the Meningococcal Disease Advisory Committee, an expert standing committee of NSW Health for advice.

The Coroner noted that in the aftermath of Ms Nassif's death, the NSW Ambulance Service acted quickly to educate Ambulance Officers to recognise the symptoms of meningococcal disease and to respond appropriately.

All NSW ambulances now carry temperature-taking equipment and a Meningococcal Septicaemia Alert Card, which is carried on all ambulances and provided to receiving hospitals.

The card gives simple straightforward advice which focuses on the need for a blood culture sample to be taken immediately on arrival at hospital, the need for urgent antibiotic therapy, and if specialist medical advice and retrieval should be sought from the Medical Retrieval Unit or the Neonatal Emergency Transport Service.

The Ambulance Service has also introduced treatment protocol that allows for paramedics to administer benzyl penicillin where indicated.

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au