The parents of Ryleigh Hillcoat-Bee, a three-year-old who tragically passed away due to a rare condition, are understandably furious after discovering that their daughter’s life might have been saved.
The young girl was afflicted with rhabdomyolysis, a disorder that leads to muscle breakdown. She succumbed to complications from this condition, which impacts one in 200,000 individuals in the UK.
Coroner Alan Wilson, serving Blackpool and Fylde, concluded that the medical professionals who treated her overlooked critical “red flags” before allowing her to leave the hospital after a five-day stay.
They failed to take the opportunity to thoroughly investigate Ryleigh’s mobility issues before her discharge. Sadly, she passed away three months later.
Doctors should have recognized that the girl’s declining physical condition could be associated with a neuromuscular issue.
As per reports, when she was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital, the doctors conducted tests and her blood results revealed abnormal levels, including ‘extraordinarily high’ amounts of Creatine Kinase, which likely pointed to a muscle injury or disease. Nevertheless, the doctors concluded that the girl was suffering from either a chest infection or hepatitis. She seemed slow, floppy, and lethargic.
Coroner Wilson confirmed the request for evidence from the doctors who were involved in Ryleigh’s treatment at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, as mentioned by Blackpool Gazette.
Medical negligence lawyer Diane Rostron remarked, “The hospital was provided with clear guidance… to seek specialist advice from a neuromuscular expert.”
As per Rostron, if the hospital had consulted specialists, they might have been able to “diagnose rhabdomyolysis” and notify the family, giving them the chance to consider additional treatment options.
We deeply regret the passing of Ryleigh Hillcoat-Bee. We wish her family the closure they need. May she rest in peace.
