A tragic incident unfolded as a 15-year-old girl lost her life to meningitis when an ambulance service allegedly failed to transport her to a hospital, as revealed during an inquest session. Zara Cheesman, residing in Mapperley Park, Nottingham, should have been swiftly taken to the hospital by East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) personnel before her untimely demise on December 23 the previous year, according to Nottingham Coroner’s Court. Initially seen at A&E on December 20 with symptoms like vomiting and neck and shoulder discomfort, she was discharged with a suspected case of norovirus.
Following day, two ambulance technicians, without paramedic credentials, visited Zara’s residence where she exhibited warning signs of meningitis, such as confusion and a severe headache. The inquest disclosed that the technicians were required to seek guidance from a senior clinical lead if opting not to admit someone under 18 to a hospital, a protocol overlooked in Zara’s case. It was suggested during the inquest that Zara might have survived if promptly returned to the hospital.
Susan Jevons, EMAS’s head of patient safety, extended sincere apologies to Zara’s family and pledged to implement changes to avert similar tragedies in the future. Emphasizing the importance of staff members comprehending and adhering to policies, Jevons highlighted that the technicians who attended Zara’s residence claimed ignorance of the protocol for under-18s, although a qualified technician, Michael Hoy, confirmed having read it.
During her testimony, Jevons stressed the clinicians’ responsibility to thoroughly understand organizational policies and procedures to ensure patient safety. The inquest also highlighted the long-standing policy mandating technicians to consult a registered clinician before discharging a child, a measure deemed critical in Zara’s case.
Jevons confirmed the absence of similar incidents post-Zara’s demise, assuring that all children requiring hospital care were promptly transported by ambulance crews. Expressing regret to Zara’s family, she reiterated the commitment to prevent a recurrence of such unfortunate events, recognizing the need for enhanced protocols concerning young patients.
The inquest’s evidentiary phase concluded on Friday, with the coroner expected to deliver the verdict on Wednesday afternoon.