The parents of Ryleigh Hillcoat-Bee, a three-year-old who tragically passed away due to a rare medical condition, are filled with anger upon discovering that their daughter’s life might have been preserved.
The young girl was afflicted with rhabdomyolysis, a disorder characterized by the breakdown of muscle tissue. She succumbed to complications arising from this condition, which impacts approximately one in 200,000 individuals in the UK.
Coroner Alan Wilson, overseeing the case for Blackpool and Fylde, concluded that the medical professionals involved in her care failed to recognize the critical warning signs prior to her discharge from the hospital after a five-day treatment period.
They failed to take the opportunity to thoroughly investigate Ryleigh’s limited mobility before her discharge. She subsequently passed away three months later.
Doctors should have been aware that the girl’s deteriorating physical state could be linked with a neuromuscular problem.
Upon her admission to Blackpool Victoria Hospital, medical professionals conducted various tests, revealing abnormal blood results. Notably, the levels of Creatine Kinase were found to be ‘extraordinarily high,’ which may suggest a muscle injury or disease. Nevertheless, the doctors concluded that the girl was experiencing either a chest infection or hepatitis. She exhibited signs of being slow, floppy, and lethargic.
Coroner Wilson confirmed to request evidence from the doctors involved in Ryleigh’s care at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, as reported by Blackpool Gazette.
Medical negligence attorney Diane Rostron stated, “The hospital received explicit guidance… to seek expert consultation from a neuromuscular specialist.”
Rostron indicates that if the hospital had pursued specialist consultation, they might have been able to identify rhabdomyolysis and communicate this to the family, thereby enabling them to consider additional treatment alternatives.
We extend our deepest condolences for the loss of Ryleigh Hillcoat-Bee. It is our sincere hope that her family will achieve the closure they seek. May she rest in peace.
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