Coroner Delivers Narrative Verdict Saying Callum Would Have Survived If Blood Test Was Taken Day Before His Death

The devastated parents of a boy who died hours after he was sent home from hospital have expressed hope that lessons are learned following an inquest into his death.

Callum Cartlidge, of Redditch, died on 3 March, 2017, after suffering a cardiac arrest. Hours earlier the eight-year-old had been sent home from Worcestershire Royal Hospital following a referral from his GP. 

Following Callum’s death his parents Stacey and Adie Cartlidge instructed specialist medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate the care their son received in the days before his death. 

As the inquest concluded the coroner gave a narrative verdict saying Callum would have survived if a blood test was undertaken the day before his death. 

The Inquest had previously heard from an expert medical consultant that in his opinion Callum would have survived if a blood test had been carried out, identifying his rare disease, less than 24 hours before his death. A nurse also accepted that she should have completed a fluid balance chart but failed to do so. As a result of this the NHS Trust now audits these charts. 

The coroner also stated that he believed steps had been taken to deal with the failures in care following Callum’s death.

Caroline Brogan, an expert medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing the family, said after the hearing:

Expert Opinion

“Since Callum’s death his family have had a number of concerns about the treatment he received in the lead up to his death, and sadly, today’s verdict has validated these concerns.

“We believe that Callum and his family were badly let down and opportunities were missed to prevent his death.

“Stacey, Adie and the rest of the family now hope that the lessons are learned to ensure that no one else faces the failings that led to Callum’s death, and that no family has to go through the same pain as they have.

“We will continue to support Callum’s family in their fight for justice.” Caroline Brogan - Senior Associate Solicitor

In a statement Stacey and Adie said: We all miss Callum so much and life has never been the same for our family since his death.

“We feel our concerns regarding Callum’s condition were not taken seriously. Now to be told that our son would probably still be alive today if he had received the care that he deserved just adds to the pain and anger we are suffering. 

“Callum died far too young and had his whole life ahead of him. Now we have to live with the fact that we will never get to celebrate those landmarks in life such as him passing his exams, starting his first job or getting married.  

“Our only hope now is that the NHS Trust realises the pain our family has and continue to suffer. We urge the trust to make sure it learns lessons from Callum’s death so others don’t experience our loss.”

Background

Callum had visited his GP on February 28 last year when following examination he was diagnosed with tonsillitis and stomach ache. 

However, he continued to feel unwell and so his family revisited the surgery on 2 March. Callum’s blood sugar levels were low so he was taken by ambulance to Worcestershire Royal Hospital but was discharged at about 11pm. 

The following afternoon he suffered a cardiac arrest. Callum was taken back to Worcestershire Royal but was pronounced dead shortly after arriving. 

A post-mortem examination found he died from Addisonian Crisis. The life-threatening illness develops when Addison’s disease – which is caused by the body not producing enough cortisol – goes untreated. 

Callum also leaves behind a twin brother, a sister and a little brother.

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