A doctor has described the death of a three-year-old boy from bowel complications caused by a stomach bug as one of the hardest moments of her career. The child, who had been otherwise healthy, collapsed in front of his family and was rushed to hospital, where attempts to resuscitate him failed.
The doctor, then a foundation trainee in paediatrics, was called to the resuscitation room on her first day in the specialty. Despite more than an hour of efforts by a senior team, the boy could not be saved. One consultant, heavily pregnant, broke down in tears. The boy's parents were called in to say goodbye after he had already died.
It was later discovered that the cause of death was bowel complications from a stomach bug, a usually self-limiting illness. The doctor, now a GP, said the experience shook her confidence and made her acutely aware of the risk of missing serious symptoms in children who appear only mildly unwell.
She now ensures that parents are warned of warning signs and urged to seek urgent care if needed. She also reflected on holding the boy's hand in his final moments, hoping he did not feel alone. The death serves as a reminder to cherish her own children.
