The parents of a three-year-old boy who died after a trainee doctor pierced an artery during a routine biopsy have received an apology and an NHS payout. Aarav Chopra suffered a prolonged cardiac arrest triggered by a build-up of blood in his chest cavity and died on November 22, 2023.
Months earlier, Aarav, who suffered from serious liver disease, had undergone a liver transplant, which his family said was meant to be a 'new beginning' for him. However, his body rejected the organ, leading to tests at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. During a routine liver biopsy, a trainee doctor nicked a major artery with a needle, an inquest heard. The bleed went 'undiagnosed and untreated', and doctors spent nearly 30 minutes trying to resuscitate him.
Birmingham’s Senior Coroner Louise Hunt criticised 'poor planning' by staff before the procedure and 'poor' communication about the bleed. She noted 'confusion around the experience of the trainee doctor performing the biopsy'. The trainee was thought to be in year six of training but was actually only in year four. Aarav’s parents were not told a trainee would perform the biopsy.
Following the inquest, his parents Kishore and Amrita instructed solicitors Irwin Mitchell to investigate. Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust admitted liability and paid an undisclosed payout. The trust stated there was 'a failure to adequately manage' Aarav’s condition once the build-up of blood was recognised, and with 'appropriate care', his cardiac arrest and death 'would have been avoided'. In a letter, the trust apologised for 'failings in our care that contributed to Aarav's death'.
Kishore, 38, said: 'Aarav was the most adorable little boy and despite everything he went through with his transplant was always smiling and happy. He brought sunshine to our lives, and the world is a much darker place without him.' The couple said their grief was worsened by the trust’s treatment of them as they sought answers. Amrita, 36, said she wanted other hospital trusts to 'reflect on how they support and listen to grieving families'.
