A tragic incident has shaken the community as devastated parents speak out about the heartbreaking loss of their one-year-old daughter, Eleanor Aldred-Owen, due to what has been described as “gross neglect” by Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool. The parents, Rachel and Chaz Aldred-Owen, recounted the harrowing ordeal of watching their precious daughter deteriorate following a series of critical mistakes made during her care at the hospital.
Eleanor was diagnosed with bicoronal craniosynostosis at just 12 weeks old, a condition that required surgery to alleviate pressure on her brain caused by the premature fusion of the skull bones’ joints. The inquest into Eleanor’s death revealed a series of alarming errors during her treatment, including a dislodged tube during surgery leading to tachycardia, an abnormally fast heart rate.
Despite concerns raised by her parents about Eleanor’s abnormal breathing and other symptoms post-surgery, the medical staff overlooked crucial warning signs. Eleanor’s condition deteriorated rapidly, culminating in a cardiac arrest that tragically led to her passing on October 2. Assistant Coroner Helen Rimmer concluded that Eleanor’s death was a result of multiple missed opportunities and gross neglect throughout her care at the hospital.
The Aldred-Owen family expressed their profound grief and disbelief over the lapses in Eleanor’s care, highlighting the 24 identified lessons to be learned from the post-operative errors. They emphasised the devastating impact of losing their beloved daughter and the void her absence has left in their lives. The heartbroken parents also shared their disappointment with the hospital’s investigation process and preparations for the inquest, expressing gratitude to the Coroner for uncovering the truth behind Eleanor’s preventable death.
In response to the findings, Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust issued a sincere apology to the Aldred-Owen family, acknowledging the preventable nature of Eleanor’s passing and accepting full responsibility for the critical errors in her care. The Trust vowed to implement significant changes and improvements in various medical protocols and procedures to prevent such tragedies from occurring again in the future.
The Coroner’s report highlighted the grave oversights in Eleanor’s care, noting the failure to address her escalating medical needs and the missed opportunities to intervene promptly to prevent her tragic outcome. The Trust’s commitment to enhancing training and implementing corrective measures underscores their dedication to upholding patient safety and preventing similar lapses in care.
The Aldred-Owen family’s solicitor, Lynda Reynolds, underscored the anguish and trauma witnessed by Eleanor’s parents during her resuscitation, emphasising the profound impact of the hospital’s failures on the family. Despite the heartfelt apologies and assurances from the hospital, the pain and loss experienced by Eleanor’s parents serve as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of medical negligence.
As the community mourns the loss of Eleanor Aldred-Owen, her memory serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of vigilant and compassionate healthcare practices in safeguarding the lives of vulnerable patients. The Aldred-Owen family’s courage in sharing their story sheds light on the urgent need for improved medical protocols and unwavering commitment to patient safety in healthcare institutions across the country.