A tragic incident involving the death of a 13-year-old girl, Chloe Longster, has been linked to negligence by NHS staff, resulting in unbearable pain caused by sepsis. The coroner’s conclusion, after an inquest held at Northampton Coroner’s Court, highlighted several missed opportunities that could have potentially saved Chloe’s life. These missed chances included delays in screening and treating sepsis, as well as delays in prescribing the appropriate antibiotics.
Chloe, who hailed from Market Harborough in Leicestershire, was taken to the emergency department of Kettering General Hospital by her mother on November 28, 2022, due to severe pain in her ribs. Initially presenting with mild cold-like symptoms and a cough, Chloe’s condition worsened during her hospital stay. She was eventually transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU), where, despite efforts including intubation and CPR, she tragically passed away the next morning.
During the inquest, Chloe’s mother, Louise Longster, recounted how her daughter expressed a desire to be put to sleep due to the excruciating pain she was enduring. A chest x-ray revealed consolidation in Chloe’s lower left lung, leading doctors to believe she had a chest infection or pneumonia. However, the family’s solicitor highlighted a series of delays and missed opportunities in Chloe’s care, stressing the absence of timely sepsis screening.
In a narrative verdict, the coroner emphasised that there were multiple occasions when Chloe’s deteriorating condition could have been recognised and addressed sooner. The lack of prompt action and missed opportunities in Chloe’s care were acknowledged by the hospital trust, with the coroner concluding that negligence played a role in her death. The delayed recording of Chloe’s blood pressure and inadequate sepsis screening were highlighted as critical issues in her care.
Described as an exceptional individual with a heart of gold by her family, Chloe’s untimely passing has left a void that cannot be filled. Her mother expressed feelings of powerlessness during Chloe’s time in the hospital, emphasizing the need for empathy and compassion when dealing with seriously ill children. The inquest’s conclusion brought a sense of vindication for Chloe’s family, who have endured a “living nightmare” since losing her.
Acknowledging the shortcomings in Chloe’s care, the group chief nurse for the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire extended condolences to the family and pledged to make improvements based on the lessons learned from this tragedy. The hospital has since implemented changes to enhance patient care and communication, with a commitment to ensuring every patient receives the best possible treatment.
As the inquest concluded, the coroner conveyed her condolences to Chloe’s family, acknowledging the bright spirit and potential Chloe possessed. The narrative of Chloe Longster’s struggle and tragic demise serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of timely and accurate medical intervention in saving lives.