NSW:New law to cut avoidable child deaths in hospitals

The draft law was prompted by the death of 16-year-old Vanessa Anderson who died at Royal North Shore Hospital (RNSH) three years ago after being hit in the head by a golf ball.

The NSW coroner found Vanessa died of respiratory failure as a result of "systemic failures" at RNSH and the inappropriate administration of pain relief.

The new legislation, called Vanessa's law, would force hospitals to have a pediatrician oversee the treatment of children in adult wards.

NSW opposition health spokeswoman Jillian Skinner and opposition MP Judie Hopwood plan to introduce the law into NSW parliament, the Seven Network reports.

"It's not going to cost millions of dollars but it's going to protect the lives of children and it'd be a great tribute to Vanessa Anderson and her family," Skinner told Seven.

Vanessa's death was one of series of incidents which prompted a recent inquiry into NSW public hospitals.