A Wiltshire-based Hospital Has Said Sorry For Failing To Provide The Expected Standard Of Care

A hospital in Wiltshire has apologised for the treatment of a four-year-old boy who died in 2012 after receiving "shambolic" care.

Steve and Yolanda Turner, 47 and 45 respectively, have long argued that the death of their son Sean was "shocking" and "unacceptable", reports the Press Association.

Sean died of a brain haemorrhage after suffering a cardiac arrest - something believed to have been caused by an earlier corrective heart operation.

The parents of the child claim that treatment from doctors at the University Hospitals Bristol NHS Trust was nowhere near the standard they expected.

In one case, the pair reported their son was left so dehydrated that he resorted to sucking the moisture from tissues that were used to cool his forehead.

Mr Turner also accused doctors of ignoring obvious warning signs that should have meant he stayed on the intensive care ward for longer.

The infant showed a rising blood pressure, vomiting, a loss of fluid from his chest - as well as a number of secondary symptoms - that should have indicated to medical professionals that he was rapidly deteriorating.

"There was a lack of leadership, accountability and communication. All of this is shocking and unacceptable to us. There did not seem to be a plan for Sean's care, which was disjointed and, in our view, shambolic," the Turners added in a statement.

"We are relieved there have been changes made at the unit since Sean's death but we remain concerned that the risks to patients at Bristol may still be very real."

Sean's family, as well as nine other people affected by supposed poor care at the University Hospitals Bristol NHS Trust, are reportedly considering legal action to seek redress for their ordeals.

This news follows a verdict from Avon coroner Maria Voisin who recorded a narrative conclusion in the four-year-old's death, citing lost opportunities before claiming there was no "neglect" involved in the infant's passing.

More details about legal action against the trust are expected in the coming weeks.

Expert Opinion

The evidence heard during the inquest into Sean Turner’s death at Bristol Children’s Hospital was both shocking and concerning, but sadly it is not a standalone event with legal action being taken by a number of other families who believe the care given to their children was substandard. <br/> <br/>“Whilst we are encouraged to see the hospital has confirmed that changes have been made, answers are needed about how it was possible for certain areas of care to fall so far below what is expected. It is only then lessons can truly be learnt and shared throughout the NHS to improve standards and protect future patient safety.” <br/> Julie Lewis - Partner