Failure to manage blood condition at GOSH causes teenager's death
Jonathan Zimmern settled a case for a five-figure sum for a mother on behalf of her 15-year-old son.
Jack* was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect before he was born. This condition prevented his heart from sending enough oxygen-rich blood around his body, putting him at risk of heart failure. He underwent a catheter procedure to improve the blood flow to his lungs after he was born and required numerous other procedures on his heart during the subsequent years.
Jack underwent another cardiac catheter procedure at Great Ormond Street Hospital when he was aged 15. Because it was a minimally invasive procedure, the family were not too concerned. However, during the procedure Jack suffered a pulmonary haemorrhage and needed a blood transfusion.
Jack was transferred to ICU for six days for further ventilation and monitoring, and was then discharged home. His mother was advised that he should be discharged with medication for an identified clotting disorder, but this was not documented and he was sent home without the correct medication.
A few days later, Jack suffered a second pulmonary haemorrhage where he coughed up large amounts of blood. His parents took him to Addenbrookes hospital, where he was given the right medication. He was then transferred back to Great Ormond Street Hospital, from where he was discharged home without further treatment.
Two days later, Jack suffered a third, massive pulmonary haemorrhage. His mother phoned for an ambulance but meanwhile, Jack collapsed in her arms.
The paramedics performed CPR for 30 minutes but Jack sadly passed away from a burst aneurysm and loss of blood. Jack's mother was later informed that the operation which caused the first aneurysm had not been necessary in the first place, and that it had not been performed properly. She also discovered that Jack had concerning PT levels (which determine blood clotting) all his life but this had never been identified. Had his mother known, or had Jack had pre-operative blood tests prior to the initial procedure, she would not have consented to the surgery and Jack would not have suffered the multiple aneurysms.
Jack's mother is diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder following the death of her son and faces financial difficulties because she is unable to return to work.
Great Ormond Street denied that they did anything wrong, and argued that Jack's death was a tragic accident. However, following difficult negotiations Jonathan was able to reach an early resolution and settle the claim.
*name changed
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