Tragedy as boy, 7, dies
A seven-year-old boy died in an ambulance four days after his parents first tried to get medical help at Kidderminster's minor injuries unit.
The boy, not named, was said to have died after five failed attempts to get treatment.
Wyre Forest MP Dr Richard Taylor has made an official complaint to Worcestershire Primary Care Trust.
The boy eventually became so ill from the effects of a rare illness that he was taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital in Worcester but died on the journey.
Dr Taylor, a retired consultant, has been campaigning to get a GP for the minor injuries unit which is staffed by nurses.
He says that after the boy became breathless he was taken to the unit and staff referred him to his GP who failed to diagnose his condition.
When his parents were still concerned they took him back to the unit the next day but were directed to the primary care centre out-of-hours GP service where an appointment is necessary.
About three hours later the boy was seen by another GP but, Dr Taylor says, there was another failed diagnosis. Dr Taylor said the boy died from the effects of a very rare illness which he would not necessarily have expected to be diagnosed.
"However, the fact that he was ill should have been diagnosed and the description of his symptoms should have been listened to.
"There were five occasions when someone could have diagnosed the fact that he was ill but the severity of the situation was not appreciated." Mr Paul Lynn, of Worcestershire Primary Care Trust, said: "We are unable to discuss the circumstances of the case due to patient confidentiality. In line with NHS guidelines, all complaints received are investigated fully and every opportunity is made to meet with family members or individuals concerned."
