NHS Trust Apologises to Family and Admits they Failed Them

Simpson Millar Helping Leon’s Family

The findings have prompted Leon’s family, who have instructed our law firm here at Simpson Millar as part of their efforts to better understand the circumstances surrounding his death, to plead for reassurances that lessons learnt have been acted upon to prevent further tragedies.

The call to action comes following a Root Cause Analysis was undertaken, and the family received a letter in which Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust said it had ‘failed Leon’, and that the overall standard of care had not been of an acceptable standard.

In the letter it revealed that the investigation had identified a number of opportunities during his time in hospital where toxic shock could have been considered as a cause for his condition, which included low blood pressure.

During the inquest, evidence was also heard of a series of other issues – including a failure to complete the sepsis charts, which would have helped identify the presence of potential symptoms, and the poor communication between clinicians also contributed to the failure.

The Outcome

The Coroner, Alan Blundson, recorded a narrative verdict at the County Hall in Maidstone, stating in the Inquest that Leon had spent 16 days in Darent Valley, being treated for Kawasaki in 2018 (a year prior). After making a “good recovery”, a year later, Leon become sick again, with bad red rashes all over his torso and stomach. In hospital for the second time, Leon’s condition deteriorated, and sadly, symptoms that were critical were not picked up by the NHS care team.

The Trust has since apologised, and told Leon’s parents that it was ‘determined’ to implement an action plan which will ultimately lead to a complete redesign of its emergency pathway for children, as well as a permanent teaching programme for all staff involved in the care of children.

Speaking on the parents’ behalf their Medical Negligence Solicitor from Simpson Millar, who also represented the family of Kessie Thomas who was treated at Dartford Valley Hospital and died following medical complications caused by sepsis in 2017, said: “The family have been devastated by the loss of Leon.

“Whilst they thank the Coroner for his time, the inquest has understandably been a very difficult time for them, especially with so much evidence to suggest that there were missed opportunities to diagnose him and provide swift, effective treatment.

“They are now desperate for reassurances that lessons learnt have been acted upon by the Trust, to ensure no one suffers as they have in the future.”

Leon’s mother Samantha said: “Nothing will ever replace what we lost when Leon died.

“It is unimaginable that this pain will ever go away.”

"He was the glue that brought our family together, and to hear throughout the inquest that there were missed opportunities to recognise and treat his sepsis is beyond heartbreaking."

The family will not be available for comment at this time, and have asked that all media enquiries go via their legal team who can be contacted on [email protected], or by calling us on 07852 282 802.

We understand that taking legal action can be daunting, but our medical negligence lawyers pride themselves on their friendly and supportive approach. When you come to us, you can expect a personal service tailored to you and your needs. Call us on 0808 239 6043, and let us, help you.