Kimberly Darroch, mother of 10 year old Milly Main, is asking for the board of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to resign. This is after her daughter Milly died from an infection she potentially picked up in the hospital.
Milly was receiving treatment at the Royal Hospital for Children last August when she suddenly became critically ill, dying a short while later. Milly was one of 84 children, all of which became ill after becoming infected with a rare bacteria while receiving treatment. Some have made a full recovery, a third of them are suffering from severe health implications.
Milly was recovering nicely following a stem cell transplant in 2017, an operation necessary while in remission from leukaemia. A Hickman Catheter, which is placed into the chest wall and inserted into the vein above your heart, was inserted into Milly. However, Milly’s became infected and she suffered from Toxic Shock. On August 31st, Milly passed away.
Ms Darroch was not told the real reason her daughter passed away, first becoming aware of the infection, called Stenotrophomonas, when it was listed on Milly’s death certificate. It was amongst four contributing factors to her death. Kimberley began to realise the significance of the infection when the children’s ward closed for any further admissions.
Ms Darroch is calling for a fatal death inquiry to be held. An independent review, published on the .Gov website, showed serious failings with infection prevention. They go on to report, whilst the infection was due to hospital environments, they could not determine how much it contributed.
It continues that it is ‘entirely possible’ to determine a critical deterioration in heart function. Even if other causes such as heart deterioration through chemotherapy or radiation proved relevant. Ms Darroch wants to see the board held accountable for their actions, before resigning.
Chief Executives ‘truly sorry’ to parents of Milly Main and others
The Chief Executive of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Jane Grant, has spoken out to express her sympathy. She identified that this has been a very trying time for staff, patients and families for which the board is very sorry.
Summarising, Jane explained that the board has taken robust and focused action to respond to any issues. They continue to make the best judgements they can. They openly admit that there are times they should have acted differently.
Last year, Health Secretary Jeane Freeman, launched a public inquiry into the Royal Hospital For Children and Young People, the Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. This inquiry was investigating serious concerns over the ventilation systems. The Scottish Government stepped in just one day after the hospital was due to accept patients. While the report highlighted significant problems, it failed to find any evidence linking it to ‘avoidable’ deaths.
Jane Grant concluded her apology by saying all issues that arise will be rectified and that they remain committed to the the families who have been affected by the public enquiry.
Ms Darroch says an apology is not enough. Her daughter was getting better, she was in remission, and the hospital killed her.
“An apology is not enough. Milly lost her life and a lot of kids suffered through this”
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