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Girl, 5, Dies After Meningitis Misdiagnosis
30 Oct
Summary
- Child diagnosed with tonsillitis instead of meningitis.
- NHS trust admitted failings materially contributed to death.
- Family received undisclosed compensation after legal action.
A family has received an NHS payout after a critical misdiagnosis led to the death of their five-year-old daughter, Lila Marsland. Lila was taken to Tameside Hospital on December 27, 2023, with symptoms including headache, sickness, and neck pain. Her mother, suspecting meningitis, was told her daughter had tonsillitis.
Despite the concerns, Lila was discharged with oral antibiotics. Tragically, she was found unresponsive hours later and pronounced dead. An inquest confirmed she died from undiagnosed pneumococcal meningitis, with neglect contributing to her death.
Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust admitted failings in Lila's care, accepting they materially contributed to her death. The Trust has issued an apology and stated that improvements have been made.
The family has set up a charity, Lila's Light, in her memory, supporting bereaved siblings.
