Four-year-old Gracie Foster's routine surgery was cancelled after she fell ill, with her family alleging doctors told them she did not need antibiotics.
The young girl was carried home but her condition deteriorated rapidly – tragically dying of meningococcal septicaemia, a form of sepsis, that day in October 2015.
Her family, of Chesterfield, Derbs, have today spoken of their heartache at Gracie's death, demanding answers.
Gracie's mum Michelle Foster said: "We were so lucky to have been in the hospital at the time Gracie developed symptoms of meningococcal septicaemia.
"She had a hospital bed and nurses saying she was really poorly – but unfortunately, she was sent home, even though at the time, she was dying.
"We are hoping her inquest will help to bring us closure and give us answers."
Gracie had been taken to Chesterfield Royal Hospital on October 21, 2015, for a tonsil operation when her condition deteriorated suddenly and she became very agitated, floppy and sleepy.
Her family alleged a hospital nurse noticed that Gracie felt hot and recorded her temperature at 40.1 degrees, and Gracie was taken back to the ward and was reviewed by the anaesthetist, who cancelled her operation.
They further claimed a locum consultant checked Gracie but said she did not need antibiotics and could go home.
WARNING SIGNS: The symptoms of meningococcal septicaemia
Symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Cold hands and feet
- Cold chills
- Severe aches or pain in the muscles, joints, chest or abdomen (belly)
- Rapid breathing
- Diarrhea
- In the later stages, a dark purple rash
*According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
But by 7pm, Gracie was found with two rashes that wouldn't fade and was rushed to Sheffield Children’s Hospital, where she was floppy, unresponsive and found to be covered in more spots.
Gracie was also struggling to breathe and was immediately put into intensive care but doctors were unable to save her and she died a few hours later at 10.36pm, after suffering two cardiac arrests.
Michelle said she hopes the four day inquest, starting next week, will find the answers her family are desperate for for their daughter.
The devastated mother added: "Gracie was full of life and a really happy little girl who made everyone smile. She was such an entertainer.
"There wasn’t anything she wouldn’t try, she was so adventurous.
"She loved Frozen – it was something we all had to love because we’d always be singing along to it in the car.
"She also loved netball, it’s something I play and she couldn’t wait to join me on the court, and would enjoy climbing trees or dressing up as a princess."
Carolle White, associate who specialises in medical negligence and inquests at Nelsons, is representing Gracie's family and said:This is a truly tragic case which has broken the hearts of young Gracie’s family – losing a child changes your whole perspective on life.
"I hope the inquest into Gracie’s death raises awareness of meningococcal septicaemia and allows people to understand the devastating illness better, in turn lessening the changes of this from happening to others."
Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said they were unable to comment before the inquest's conclusion.
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