MEGA
The parents of 11-year-old Annabel Greenhalgh, who tragically died hours after being diagnosed with constipation and sent home by doctors, are demanding answers. Annabel was taken to the A&E at Warwick Hospital by her parents after she complained of severe abdominal pain.
Doctors diagnosed her with constipation and discharged her on the evening of October 13, 2022. The next morning, her father Craig found her unresponsive at their home in Warwick and immediately called 999.
Despite the paramedics’ efforts to resuscitate her, Annabel was pronounced dead at the scene. This heartbreaking incident follows multiple episodes of severe abdominal pain that Annabel had experienced between 2017 and 2021, which had required hospital treatment on several occasions. An inquest into Annabel’s death is set to begin on Friday at Coventry Coroners’ Court. In the lead-up to the hearing, her devastated parents, Craig and Josie, have spoken about the profound loss they feel, as per reports Daily Mail.
Josie, 45, described Annabel as an incredible child who was loved by all who knew her. “Annabel was an incredible child and loved by all who met her. She was gentle, phenomenally bright, creative, fun, and always inclusive of everyone. She absolutely loved her music, her fashion, her art, her friends, and her beloved cat Reuben,” she said.
“She was our greatest gift and brought so much love, joy, and happiness to our lives. Since losing her, much of our days have been filled with distress, emptiness, and sorrow.” Annabel had just started Alcester Grammar School before her untimely death and was described as “well-loved” by teachers and pupils alike. Her parents hope that the inquest will provide crucial answers about her treatment before she dies.
Craig shared his disbelief and sorrow over the loss of their only child. “When we were told we could take Annabel home from the hospital, we trusted that there was nothing serious going on. To wake up the next morning and find her unresponsive was absolutely devastating and something we still struggle to comprehend,” he said. “Every day since then, we’ve wondered if more could have been done to save our little girl. She was our only child, and we still have so many unanswered questions about what happened to her.”
He continued, “We know that hearing everything again at the inquest will be incredibly difficult, but it’s something we need to do to honor our daughter and get the answers we’ve been seeking for more than 18 months. Since losing Annabel, there’s been a gaping hole in our lives, and we wouldn’t wish what we’ve suffered on anyone.”
Craig and Josie have enlisted the help of medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate the circumstances surrounding Annabel’s death. Their solicitor, Emma Rush, stated, “Josie and Craig understandably remain devastated at losing their little girl so suddenly and tragically. They also continue to have a number of questions over what happened to her. While nothing can bring Annabel back, the inquest is a major milestone in being able to provide her family with the answers they deserve.
If, during the course of the inquest, any issues in the care provided to Annabel are identified, it’s vital that lessons are learned to improve patient safety.” The inquest is a crucial step for Annabel’s family in their search for understanding and justice, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough and accurate medical diagnosis and care.
