Five-year-old dies after being minutes late for GP appointment
- 27.02.2017
- EmmaArnold
- Clinical-negligence, Clinical-negligence
Doctor received only a written warning when Ellie-May, aged five, died after being turned away from an emergency GP appointment.
The little girl arrived eight minutes late to the appointment and was told to return the following day but she sadly died hours later from an asthma attack.
Her family have been left 'shattered' following her death and believe the written warning from the General Medical Council (GMC) is not enough and are 'livid' with the outcome.
Hannah Bottomley, clinical negligence solicitor at PotterReesDolan, said:
My sincere condolences go out to Ellie-May’s family during what must be a most difficult time made all the worse by the actions of their GP. I understand that it is important that appointments are attended on time to ensure all patients have appropriate access to care but the failure by the GP in this case to provide advice regarding alternative access to care is shocking and has resulted in clearly the worst possible outcome.
The formal written letter from the GMC said the GP did not consider the medical history of the child or provide advice to her parents and that the doctor did not meet standards required.
Having access to advice regarding appropriate care and treatment can be as important as receiving the care and treatment itself and it is important that those in the medical profession recognise this fact and act accordingly.
Having worked with families who have lost children due to the negligent actions of doctors I am all too aware that treatment in a timely manner can mean the difference between life and death and I hope lessons can be learnt from this tragedy so that other GPs in the same position ensure children having access to care even if not from themselves.
Hannah Bottomley is a clinical negligence solicitor with PotterReesDolan. Should you have any queries about clinical negligence issues or indeed any other aspect of this article and wish to speak to Hannah or any other member of the team please contact us on 0161 237 5888 or email Hannah.