A 21-year-old man tragically died just hours after being sent home from A&E with a misdiagnosis, sparking outrage and calls for accountability.
Tom Parker, a fit and healthy young man, visited the emergency department at Royal Derby Hospital complaining of severe chest pains and breathing difficulties. Despite his alarming symptoms, he was discharged with a diagnosis of 'anxiety' and given paracetamol.
Devastating Turn of Events
Just seven hours later, Tom collapsed at home. Paramedics rushed him back to hospital where he was pronounced dead. A post-mortem revealed he had actually been suffering from a pulmonary embolism - a life-threatening blood clot in his lungs.
Family's Heartbreaking Account
Tom's distraught family described him as "the life and soul of every room" and demanded answers from the NHS trust. "We trusted them to help our son," his mother said through tears. "How could they send him home when he was clearly so ill?"
Hospital Response
University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust has launched an investigation. A spokesperson stated: "We offer our sincere condolences and are conducting a thorough review of the care provided."
Warning Signs Missed
Medical experts note that pulmonary embolisms often present with:
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Chest pain worsening with deep breaths
- Coughing up blood
- Rapid heart rate
Tom exhibited several of these symptoms yet was still sent home without proper tests.
This tragic case has reignited debates about A&E pressures and diagnostic accuracy in UK hospitals. Health campaigners argue that such preventable deaths must prompt systemic changes to protect patients.
