Boy who died of meningitis on 13th birthday 'let down' by hospital staff

A coroner said there has been a 'gross failure of care' given to 13-year-old Thomas Smith from Staffordshire who died on his birthday while on holiday in Wales.

When Thomas, from Hednesford, was admitted to hospital he had six tell-tale signs of meningitis but was initially given painkillers.

Four hours later he was given antibiotics at the Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil.

His parents Andrew and Emma said the hospital's paediatric team had not worked effectively to ensure treatment was commenced as early as possible'.

The hospital has now apologised to his family saying it had taken action to ensure it never happened again.

At his inquest coroner Christopher Woolley said: "The failure to administer antibiotics does amount to a gross failure of care. Antibiotics should have been given without delay. Where meningitis is suspected it's essential antibiotics are given immediately. The need for basic medical attention in this form was obvious. The risk of giving unnecessary medication was outweighed by the risk of Thomas having bacterial meningitis."

Mr Woolley said he was concerned about 'further deaths' at Prince Charles Hospital and ordered a report. But he said it was not a case of 'neglect' and even if Thomas had been given antibiotics he would probably have still died. He recorded a conclusion of natural causes.

The inquest was told Thomas, known as Ronnie to his friends because of his Cristiano Ronaldo style skills, was seen by Dr Kwong-Tou Yip and consultant paediatrician Dr Ezzat Afifi who both gave him paracetamol.

He eventually went into a coma and was taken to the intensive care unit at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff. But Thomas never recovered from the disease and died in May this year.

Cwm Taf University Health Board, who run the hospital, said they deeply regretted the death of the talented young footballer.

Speaking after the case chief executive Allison Williams said:

"This is an extremely sad case and we deeply regret that there were failings in the care that Thomas received whilst at Prince Charles Hospital."

A statement was issued by Thomas' parents Andrew and Emma through their solicitor.

Lawyer Zak Golombeck said: "The coroner found that there were numerous gross failures in the care afforded to Thomas." Mr Golombeck added that his law firm were 'now advising the family with regard to legal action'.