Billie Wicks, a 16-year-old girl, died following an asthma attack after being inappropriately discharged from Royal Free Hospital without proper medical observation. Coroner Mary Hassell stated that had Billie undergone adequate monitoring, her condition would have been diagnosed in time, which could have prevented her death. She highlighted a troubling pattern at the hospital, referencing a similar case where a young boy died from sepsis due to insufficient checks. Following this incident, the hospital has pledged to enhance staffing and improve monitoring protocols to prevent future tragedies.
Billie was inappropriately discharged at approximately 3.30am without adequate repeat observations or senior clinical review, and so her asthma was not diagnosed or treated.
Although the circumstances were different, there is a theme regarding the lack of sufficient observations in both cases.
Following an investigation into the care provided to Billie, we have taken steps to increase staffing levels in the children's emergency department.
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