Hospital staff’s neglect causes child death at Heartlands Hospital
Release Date: 01 May 2009
Sian Jones, a vibrant, well-loved daughter, sister and friend, died in tragic circumstances on 13 August 2007, aged just 15. She had been admitted into Birmingham Heartlands Hospital in the early hours of 6 August 2007 with stomach pain.
A diagnostic laparoscopy didn’t reveal the cause of the pain but Sian’s appendix was removed as a precaution. Over the next 4 days, Sian dramatically deteriorated but devastatingly the warning signs were overlooked until it was just too late. Sian displayed increasingly agonizing pain, a progressively rising heart rate and abnormal blood results which strongly indicated infection, and latterly septic shock.
In the absence of a diagnosis Sian’s pain was attributed to the effect of the minimally invasive operation some days previously and presumed emotional tensions. Although she was on a children’s ward, nobody had considered discussing this possibility with Sian herself. It was not until the afternoon of Saturday 11 August 2007 that peritonitis, severe inflammation of the stomach lining, was suspected, well over 48 hours after it was deemed likely to have set in. Two further operations were carried out, one which revealed approximately 4 litres of pus in Sian’s abdomen. Sadly Sian died in the early hours of 13 August 2007.
Some 20 months after Sian's death an inquest lasting 5 days has now taken place in front of a jury, given the magnitude of the issued involved. Giving evidence at the inquest, the Chief Executive Officer of The Heart of England NHS Trust openly said "this is a death which should not have happened." The Hospital's own staff expressed their regret at the catalogue of errors and delays, which led to Sian's untimely and avoidable death.
The jury delivered a verdict that due to 14 failings, which they had identified, the hospital staff failed to make an obvious diagnosis of peritonitis, which resulted in the death of Sian Jones. Her death was as a consequence of Neglect.
The family are keen to ensure that the Trust learn from their mistakes and they are relieved to learn of the changes which have been implemented within the Trust as a result of their tragic findings. They are hopeful that the measures taken will save other families from similar devastation.
The inquiry into Sian's death and the lengthy inquest has been a painful and traumatic experience for her family. They are now able to properly grieve the loss of Sian and ask that their privacy be respected to allow them to do so.
If you have any queries about this case or any similar case please contact Miss Sarah Huntbach, Associate in the Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence Department on 0121 212 7479 or sarah.huntbach@anthonycollins.com
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