The Asthma Society of Ireland wishes to acknowledge the findings of the inquest into the tragic death of 15-year-old Killian Burnett. We are deeply saddened by the loss of a young life and extend our heartfelt condolences to Killian’s family. And we recognise the courage it must have taken for his parents and wider family to share their grief so publicly, in the hope that no other family should suffer such a loss.
While no words can undo what has happened, we welcome the acknowledgment by Children’s Health Ireland of the shortcomings in Killian’s care, and their apology to his family.
This case underscores the vital need for children with severe or uncontrolled high-risk asthma to receive specialist care without delay. Timely access to consultant respiratory care can be lifesaving, for example by prescribing highly effective biologic medicines for life-threatening attacks. Every family should also receive a personalised Asthma Action Plan that clearly sets out what to do if symptoms deteriorate. The Asthma Society stands ready to support efforts to ensure every child with asthma receives the care they need when they need it.
In memory of Killian – and in support of families living with asthma – we urge health services and policymakers to increase efforts to strengthen referral pathways, reduce waiting times for specialist appointments, and ensure that no child with severe asthma is left waiting for the care they require.
Finally, we reaffirm our commitment to raising awareness of the reality that asthma can be life-threatening, even in young people, and to supporting patients, families, and health professionals so that such tragedies are never repeated.
Eilís Ní Chaithnía
CEO, Asthma Society of Ireland
