Family Instruct Irwin Mitchell To Support Them

The devastated parents of a five-year-old girl who died after contracting sepsis have revealed their hope that an upcoming inquest will provide vital answers regarding their daughter’s death.

Ava Macfarlane, who was born with Down’s Syndrome, died on 15 December, 2017. Two days earlier her mother and father, Lesley Gearing and Adam Macfarlane, had taken Ava to A&E at Queen’s Medical Centre as she struggled with symptoms including a high temperature, vomiting, extreme lethargy, and a red rash on her trunk.

She was discharged home a few hours later. 

Lesley and Adam who live in Nottingham, took Ava back to the hospital again the next day as her condition worsened. Despite treatment, she continued to deteriorate and then sadly passed away in the early hours of the following morning.

Ava’s loved ones are now hoping that an upcoming inquest will provide them with the answers which they desperately deserve.

Ava’s family has instructed specialist medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to support them through the process.

Expert Opinion

“Almost two years on from Ava’s death, her family remains understandably devastated by their loss.”

“They still have a number of answers regarding the events that unfolded in the lead up to Ava’s death. While nothing can ever bring her back we hope that we can help the family can obtain the answers they deserve." Tania Harrison - Partner

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in handling medical negligence cases  

A pre-inquest review hearing was heard back in May this year where Irwin Mitchell  was successful in requesting that a jury should be called to hear evidence in relation to Ava’s death.

Lesley aged 44, added: “Losing Ava was incredibly difficult and our entire family still thinks about her every day.  She was a wonderful bubbly, inquisitive little girl who loved music and playing with her friends.” 

Ava’s family have been involved in fundraising events for Sepsis UK following her death to help support other families who have been affected by the condition. 

An inquest into Ava’s death is due to start at The Council House in Nottingham on Monday and is listed for two days.