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Doctor regrets stopping antibiotics before boy's death
3 Dec
Summary
- A doctor regrets stopping antibiotics for a boy who died from meningitis.
- The boy had surgery for an ear infection before his death in 2014.
- A new inquest is re-examining the circumstances surrounding his treatment.
A doctor has shared her profound regret over discontinuing antibiotic treatment for a 14-year-old boy who subsequently died of meningitis. The inquest heard that the boy, Callum Hubbard, had his ear surgically treated before his condition deteriorated. Dr. Katie Midwinter, who performed the surgery, stated her belief that the infection was eradicated, deeming antibiotic withdrawal safe at the time.
Dr. Midwinter admitted to Chesterfield Coroner's Court that she should have consulted with pediatric doctors before stopping the medication. She acknowledged similarities between severe ear infections and meningitis, expressing that she may have been overly confident in her assessment. Callum had been admitted with suspected meningitis, which improved with antibiotics, but his condition worsened significantly after discharge.
The current inquest is a fresh hearing requested by the family, as a previous one was held in 2018. Evidence suggests Callum would likely not have died if he had continued receiving antibiotics. The proceedings aim to thoroughly investigate the treatment decisions made leading up to his death in February 2014.
