An inquest reveals significant care issues at Royal Stoke led to the tragic death of 15-year-old Isla Mae Hudson
Whiston: It’s heartbreaking to hear about Isla Mae Hudson, a 15-year-old girl who died after a series of mistakes at Royal Stoke University Hospital. Her parents are devastated, saying her death was “completely avoidable.”
During the inquest, they shared how Isla received the wrong treatment. She had been in and out of the hospital for stomach pains, but this time it was severe. They thought they were taking her to the safest place, but it turned into a nightmare.
Isla had myotonic dystrophy, which complicated her care. The inquest revealed delays in getting her a CT scan and issues with how morphine was administered. It was a “perfect storm” of problems that led to her tragic passing.
Her parents expressed their anger and sorrow, saying they will never recover from this loss. Isla was just a kid, and they thought she was in good hands. The consultant surgeon admitted he was shocked and regretted the outcome, acknowledging weaknesses in the hospital’s system.
Dr. Monaghan, a pediatrician, also apologized, saying there were clear failings in Isla’s care. He believed that if she had received proper treatment, her chances of survival would have been much better.
Dr. Groves, who investigated Isla’s death, pointed out 36 recommendations for the hospital to improve. It’s clear that there were serious issues, like not documenting important changes in Isla’s condition and delays in giving her fluids.
One major error was that a CT scan was declined because the doctor wasn’t labeled a consultant. This led to further delays, and Isla’s family was understandably upset about how she was treated during her time there.
After the scan was finally done, there were still communication issues. The findings weren’t properly relayed to the right doctors, and Isla wasn’t assessed when she needed it most. It’s just so tragic.
The inquest is still ongoing, and the coroner is taking time to reflect on everything that’s been said. There are serious concerns about the care Isla received, and it’s a reminder of how important it is for hospitals to get things right.
It’s a tough situation, and my heart goes out to Isla’s family. They deserve answers and hope that changes will be made to prevent this from happening to anyone else.
