Home / Health / Mother dies after pneumonia missed by hospital
Mother dies after pneumonia missed by hospital
10 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Young mother died hours after hospital missed pneumonia diagnosis.
- Hospital staff sent her home with oral antibiotics instead of IV.
- An investigation revealed the severity of her symptoms was missed.
A devastating oversight at Chesterfield Royal Hospital led to the preventable death of 25-year-old Tanya McCartney, who died just hours after medical staff failed to diagnose her pneumonia. Ms McCartney had sought medical attention for a high temperature and shortness of breath.
Despite her worsening condition, hospital staff discharged her with oral antibiotics, a decision the Trust later admitted was a failure. Intravenous antibiotics, which could have been life-saving, were not administered. This critical error has left her family heartbroken and seeking justice.
An investigation and a reopened inquest are underway to uncover the full circumstances surrounding Ms McCartney's death. Her family is determined to understand how such a tragic and avoidable loss occurred, emphasizing the profound impact on her young son.
