Legal threat over Amy Carter's death

The parents of a teenage girl who died of a heart attack after falling ill are considering legal action against hospital bosses, it has emerged today.

A verdict of death by natural causes was given at the end of an inquest hearing on 15-year-old Amy Carter.

But her parents Richard and Jacqueline today spoke of their "frustration" at the verdict and said serious questions about her treatment at Worcester Royal Hospital remain unanswered.

Amy, of Stourport, was taken to hospital on December 19 last year with abdominal pain, a rash and a fever.

Following treatment and tests she was sent home diagnosed with glandular fever three days later.

But Amy was rushed back to hospital on Christmas Eve where she died having suffered four heart attacks.

Deputy Worcestershire coroner, Margaret Barnard, recorded a verdict of death by natural causes at Stourport Coroner's Court yesterday .

But Mr Carter, aged 44, and his 49-year-old wife, of Santa Maria Way, Stourport, said they remained unhappy by her treatment.

Mr Carter said: "I know that it was natural causes but it was the way things were done in the lead up that which needs answering.

"We will look at further action and possible legal proceedings."

Paediatrician Dr Andrew Short said Amy had suffered "a rare and overwhelming" type of infection.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, Chief Executive, John Rostill, today said: "Following Amy's death a full investigation was carried out by the Trust which found that at all stages of her hospital stay, Amy received appropriate care."