The family of a 13-year-old girl are demanding answers after their daughter died from meningitis just hours after being discharged from a major teaching hospital, prompting an urgent review of NHS safety procedures.
Maya Srivastava, a vibrant Year 8 student described as "full of life and love," was taken to Sheffield Children's Hospital by her concerned parents after developing concerning symptoms including neck stiffness, headache, and sensitivity to light - classic warning signs of meningitis.
Despite displaying these red flag symptoms, Maya was sent home with paracetamol after medical staff assessed her condition. Tragically, her health deteriorated rapidly, and she passed away mere hours after leaving the hospital.
A Family's Unimaginable Loss
Maya's father, Rishabh Srivastava, shared his family's devastation: "We trusted the hospital with our daughter's life. We brought her there because we recognised something was seriously wrong, only to be sent away with the most basic of painkillers."
"The medical staff missed multiple opportunities to save our daughter. We're now living every parent's worst nightmare," he added, his voice trembling with emotion.
Systemic Failures Under Scrutiny
The tragedy has triggered an immediate investigation by NHS authorities, with preliminary findings suggesting several critical failures:
- Inadequate assessment of meningitis symptoms
- Failure to conduct necessary diagnostic tests
- Poor communication with concerned parents
- Insufficient safety netting advice upon discharge
Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust has launched a full internal review and expressed "deepest condolences" to Maya's family.
Political Response and Calls for Reform
The case has drawn attention from senior political figures, including Labour MP and shadow health minister Andrew Gwynne, who described the incident as "deeply troubling."
"When a child presents with classic meningitis symptoms and is still sent home, we must ask serious questions about our emergency care protocols," Gwynne stated. "This tragedy should serve as a catalyst for meaningful change across our NHS."
Meningitis: The Silent Killer
Medical experts emphasise that meningitis can progress with terrifying speed, making early recognition and treatment absolutely critical. The Meningitis Research Foundation notes that the disease can kill within hours if left untreated.
Common symptoms parents should watch for include:
- Fever with cold hands and feet
- Severe headache
- Neck stiffness
- Dislike of bright lights
- Drowsiness or difficulty waking
- Vomiting
- Confusion or irritability
- Pale, blotchy skin with a rash that doesn't fade under pressure
The family has established a memorial fund in Maya's name to raise awareness about meningitis symptoms and support research into improved diagnostic methods.
As the NHS continues its investigation, healthcare professionals across the country are being reminded of the critical importance of thorough assessment when children present with potential meningitis symptoms.
