Following the death of their daughter from the silent killer, a bereaved couple has advised parents to be aware of the symptoms of meningitis.
Annalise Luffingham, a resident of Addiscombe in south London, was sent to the emergency room in February 2020 after developing a fever, disorientation, and vomiting telltale symptoms of the bacterial infection that can cause sepsis, a potentially fatal condition.
An assessment into her care concluded that NHS medical staff misdiagnosed Annalise, also known as Annie, and delayed giving her life-saving antibiotics for seven hours.
The next day, Annie passed away at a hospital. Her parents are now warning people about the risks of meningitis and the importance of early identification. Her parents received an unknown payment from the health department.
The 11-year-old had been exhibiting symptoms like dizziness, vomiting, confusion, a high temperature, headache, and eye pain for about a week.
Testing for sepsis was conducted at an initial evaluation. These often involve taking a blood sample and taking a temperature, heart rate, and breathing rate.
These tests were carried out wrongly, according to a Croydon Health Services NHS Trust investigation that identified 11 issues with the care Annie got.
It was determined that staff did not notice Annie’s rapid respiratory rate or suspect sepsis. Soon after, Annie was moved to a team in the main A&E department around 12.45 p.m., she was then transferred to a pediatrics team.
Ibuprofen and paracetamol were administered to Annie after more tests. A consultant recommended antibiotics at 4 pm, and they were given around 30 minutes later.
But around 5.50 p.m., Annie had a heart arrest. She was revived and moved to another hospital, but she passed on the next day.
According to the results of an inquest in 2021, Annie died from sepsis brought on by meningitis, and that her death was due to natural causes with neglect as a contributing factor.
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Investigation Reveals Missed Opportunities in Child’s Care, Prompts Recommendations for Improved Treatment
The investigation into her care revealed that Annie would have been transferred to a specialized pediatric team and ought to have been getting intravenous antibiotics within an hour if testing had been performed correctly.
It offered 17 suggestions for bettering the care, including teaching personnel how to handle sepsis and meningitis.
Following Annie’s passing, Meningitis Now also provided assistance to her parents, thanks to thousands of dollars in donations from friends and family.
An infection of the linings surrounding the brain and spinal cord is known as meningitis. Most at danger are infants, young children, teenagers, and young adults.
Key indicators of the infection include a fever, feeling under the weather, a headache, and a rash that does not go away when a glass is rolled over it. Other warning indications include convulsions, sleepiness, and a stiff neck.
If the infection is not treated right away, sepsis, the body’s potentially fatal response to an infection, could result.
When the immune system overreacts, bodily tissues and organs begin to suffer harm. Within an hour after being admitted to the hospital, patients with sepsis should start receiving antibiotics.
Those who don’t receive prompt treatment for septic shock may lead to organ failure and death.
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Source: Daily Mail
