Martha's rule would probably have saved my Johnny's life

AGONY OF MUM WHOSE SON DIED AFTER DOCS MISSED HEART FAILURE SIGNS

- NICOLE WOOTTON-CANE

AS JULIE Alfrey sat beside her son in his dying moments, she felt 'helpless.

She watched as his lips turned blue and his organs failed, constantly asking herself if she could have done more.

Johnny Alfrey died in 2022 after doctors at Fairfield Hospital in Bury dismissed signs his heart was failing.

Last year, a coroner ruled that the 22-year-old, from Littleborough, Rochdale, would have survived if medics had spotted the heart failure and referred him to a cardiologist for treatment.

This week, the government gave the green light to plans for NHS funding to give seriously ill patients easy access to a second opinion if their condition worsens.

Known as 'Martha's rule, the plan which will be rolled out from April follows a campaign by the parents of Martha Mills, who died aged just 13 after signs of sepsis were missed by medics.

Julie told the M.E.N. she welcomed the rule as a 'first step, but described the moment as 'bittersweet' "I know this rule would probably have saved Johnny's life," she said. "I am really grateful for what Merope [Martha's mum] has done." She said Johnny, who was a student and talented musician, had visited A&E or other medical services eight times in the weeks before his tragic death. Each time he was turned away with a diagnosis of anxiety.

"I tried my best, but in the end, you are left completely helpless," she continued. "I had to take him home and just think 'OK, they must be right! You start to doubt yourself.