Hospital tragedy girl, 12 'could have been saved'

INQUEST TOLD OF MISSED CHANCES TO DIAGNOSE BRAIN COMPLICATIONS

- CHRIS SLATER

A YOUNG girl whose mother 'persistently asked for a head scan after she developed a severe headache could have survived if fatal brain complications had been diagnosed earlier, an inquest heard.

Victoria Olabode, 12, died at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital on July 12, 2019, after suffering a stroke. Bosses have already identified and accepted 'failings' in respect of the care she received. An inquest into her death resumed at Manchester Coroners Court yesterday.

The hearing was told that Victoria, who had sickle cell disease, was transferred to RMCH from North Manchester General on July 2, 2019, when she was considered to be in 'sickle crisis.

Sickle Cell disease is particularly common in people with an African or Caribbean family background and it can also increase the risk of stroke, especially in children.

On Friday, July 5, suddenly began complaining of a 'severe' headache and vomiting, the hearing was told. She also had a 'reduced level of consciousness.

Asked by the coroner if this should have led to a suspicion of a neurological event, consultant haematologist Dr Sara Trompeter, the co-author of an expert regarding Victoria's care, said: "It would need to be ruled out."

Victoria was seen by a doctor who ordered a 'simple blood tranfusion' to take place with her pain medication also increased. However, Dr Trompeter said she believed an 'urgent' CT scan should have been ordered at that stage.