A 16-month-old baby tragically died after doctors dismissed his symptoms as chicken pox and ignored parents’ fears.
James Philliskirk died from sepsis only days after doctors at Sheffield Children’s Hospital insisted that he was only suffering from chicken pox.
An inquest was told that he was only prescribed chamomile lotion for his symptoms.
James condition deteriorated and his father later found him lifeless and cold in bed.
His grieving mother, Helen Philliskirk, told the inquest: “Daniel brought James in and screamed. We rang 999 who advised us to start CPR… (when paramedics arrived) we were in complete shock.
“We did not understand what was happening. I felt trapped because there was so many people in our bedroom. It was like watching a movie. It didn’t feel real.”
James was sent to hospital on the instructions of his GP, who detailed concerns – including the possibility of Scarlet Fever – but it was ignored by hospital staff.
Describing their first visit to the hospital, Mrs. Philliskirk said: “The doctor seemed unconcerned about how James had had chickenpox three weeks before, and diagnosed chickenpox anyway. It was a busy day at A&E and the doctor just decided it was chickenpox and prescribed chamomile lotion.”
They were sent home but came back to the hospital that same day when James had a high temperature.
“I felt unwelcome. A nurse said dismissively ‘it’s chickenpox, isn’t it?’ A nurse then gave James chamomile lotion and put us in a room for hours,”
‘I was made to feel like an anxious parent. The doctor had a dismissive response to everything I said – all they said was “chickenpox.”
They were sent home again, with doctors failing to inquire about the lesion that wasn’t healing on the boy’s wrist. James was actually fighting sepsis caused by a severe Group A Strep skin infection.
A heartbreaking statement from the family described James as ‘an extremely special boy’ who was adored by many.
“There are no words to describe how much our little boy meant to us, how much joy he brought to us and those around us and how he still is profoundly loved by us all,” the statement read.
“We will never move on from James’s death but it would not be healthy, right, nor would James want us to continue as we currently are, so we must try and move forward in some way. We were so lucky to have James for 16 months and we continue to be proud that we are his parents.”
They added: “We want everyone to remember our beautiful little boy who was cheeky, self-directed and had the most wonderful smile.”
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments section and SHARE this story with your friends and family!
Recommended Video For You!
“Newborn Twins Have Their First Conversation In The Hospital Baby Cot”