08 January 2024 , 21:22
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A mother found her 15-month-old dead in bed just days after the little one was discharged from hospital.
Olly Stopforth's parents became worried when a cold he was suffering from developed into a fever, and then a pin prick rash. Their first port of call was Calpol but his symptoms became worse. By the next morning, the rash had spread, now covering his face and torso, and his temperature was high. He was also very lethargic.
The family had a video call with their GP, who said it might be a viral illness, telling the parents to continue giving the youngster Calpol and ibuprofen. But the pharmaceuticals didn't help and the rash continued to spread. His temperature remained high and his breathing was laboured. He was also making grunting noises.
Later that day, the terrified family called an ambulance and paramedics conducted a detailed assessment of the youngster. They registered grossly abnormal results, as his temperature was 40C and he had a heart rate of 207.
A very brief examination, conducted at a distance, took place when Olly was eventually moved to a ward. But he was discharged less than four hours later with a diagnosis of a viral illness, with the advice to continue with Calpol and Ibuprofen.
Baby boy has spent his life in hospital as doctors are 'scared' to discharge him
The doctors and nurses involved in Olly’s care that day failed to realise and act on the seriousness of his condition. His medical notes recorded that he was bright and not working hard to breathe normally, which the family disputed.
Olly's mum found him dead in bed at 12.15am on March 23 (Cheshire Live)Olly was found dead in his bed by his mum at 12.15am on March 23, 2020, less than 48 hours after being discharged, according to Cheshire Live.
Mum Laura Stopforth, 40, from Frodsham in Cheshire, told an inquest at Cheshire Coroner’s Court: “Olly was such a lively, energetic, happy boy and a lovely younger brother to our eight-year-old son Finley who desperately misses him. I cannot describe the trauma and disbelief that followed finding our baby boy Olly had passed away in his sleep less than 48 hours after being discharged with what we were led to believe was something relatively minor.
“Finley does not understand why his little brother is no longer with us. He regularly tells us that he feels lonely and is being provided with counselling support in school. This should not have happened. The medical staff simply didn’t seem interested in finding out what was really happening to Olly and our little boy has lost his life as a result.”
The hospital has admitted liability in connection with Olly's passing (Cheshire Live)Representing the family at the inquest, medical negligence solicitor Diane Rostron, commented: “Olly lost his life because the doctors and nurses who were trusted with his care that day neglected to investigate what was causing his obvious symptoms, and failed to treat the serious illness from which he was suffering.
“He was clearly very unwell by the time he was taken by ambulance that day, as had been correctly identified by the paramedics, but this urgent situation was not treated as such and he had to wait in the emergency department for several hours.
“No attempt was made to identify the source of his illness. No blood or urine tests were undertaken. We believe that Olly had scarlet fever, his presentation was in keeping with this illness. Antibiotics would have saved his life.”
The Countess of Chester Hospital has admitted liability. The consultant in charge on the day of Olly’s admission will have separate legal representation at the inquest.