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Mother's Instinct Ignored: Baby's Brain Damage Diagnosis Delayed
9 Sep
Summary
- A mother's persistent concerns for her son's development were overlooked for 14 months.
- The delayed diagnosis of brain damage left the child missing crucial early therapy.
- The mother is now raising funds for the children's hospital that eventually diagnosed her son.
Ella Wilson, a mother of three from Manchester, described feeling "physically sick" due to helplessness and being ignored by NHS staff while seeking a diagnosis for her son, Luke. Luke was born on August 21, 2024, at St Mary's Hospital after a placental abruption. Within a week, both were discharged.
Over the next 14 months, Ella noted Luke's developmental delays and persistent breathing and digestion issues. This led to frequent appointments and hospital visits, including three trips to Salford Royal Hospital in October 2025. Luke was admitted to Royal Manchester Children's Hospital on October 10, 2025.
An MRI scan on October 15, 2025, led to Luke's diagnosis of periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) on October 20, 2025, at 14 months old. Ella believes this delay meant Luke missed out on over a year of potential therapy.
Luke has since been diagnosed with global developmental delay and other related conditions. Ella is now planning to climb Mount Snowdon to raise money for Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, aiming to raise awareness for PVL.
