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Toddler's Death: Missed Care Opportunities Revealed
8 Apr
Summary
- A 19-month-old girl died from a rare brain condition.
- The hospital trust missed chances to escalate the toddler's care.
- A brain scan was incorrectly reported as showing no inflammation.
A 19-month-old girl, Raisa Cristina Iordan, died on November 30, 2023, after being diagnosed with meningoencephalitis, a severe brain swelling condition.
Raisa was initially admitted to Dewsbury and District Hospital 18 days prior, suspected of having a viral illness. Her condition deteriorated, prompting a transfer to Sheffield Children's Hospital.
A critical report by assistant coroner Charlotte Keighley identified significant failings by the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals Trust. The report stated there were missed opportunities to escalate Raisa's care.
Specific criticisms included a "limited" and "poor quality" doctor's assessment. Additionally, a radiologist incorrectly reported that Raisa's brain scan showed no inflammation.
The coroner noted that Raisa was discharged on November 12, 2023, only to return later that evening, less responsive and shaking. Concerns raised by a junior doctor were reportedly ignored by a senior doctor.
This senior doctor allegedly dismissed colleagues' views and mistakenly believed Raisa's symptoms were due to a high temperature causing seizures. The initial CT scan was misinterpreted, showing no evidence of problems.
However, a subsequent review of the same scan at Sheffield Children's Hospital revealed "obvious" evidence of brain tissue displacement, confirming the severity of her condition.
