Life of scalded child could have been saved

The death of a small child who suffered severe burns after being scalded in a shower could have been prevented if her family had taken her for medical treatment earlier, a serious case review has found.

That was the finding of the Birmingham Safeguarding Children Board regarding the death of two-year old Kristiana Logina. The child suffered 10 per cent burns to her body, which were treated with cream and bandages, but she was not taken to see a doctor or taken to hospital.

Mother Eva Logina and her now ex-partner Rashpal Chana, who were living together in Tennal Road, Harborne and then Smethwick, were jailed for manslaughter last week.

Rashpal Chana, who served as a JP for almost 20 years, was jailed for four-and-a-half years at Nottingham Crown Court while Logina, of High Street, Smethwick, was given a six year jail term.

Jane Held, independent chair of the multi-agency board, said: "Had her family accessed medical treatment for her earlier then the review makes it clear her death would have been preventable."

She added: "It is always with great sadness that we publish a review into a child's death and our sympathies are with her extended family. However, there are always lessons to learn from these tragedies especially for those agencies that were in contact with the family and the review has highlighted helpful recommendations.

"The review does highlight the need for better inter-agency communication and recommends the provision of easily available guidance for parents on the treatment of burns."

Birmingham Safeguarding Children Board is now mounting a publicity campaign on 'safer bathing' for children, with advice on temperature checks and what to do if a child suffers burns.